What is Sexual Violence?
• Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact – including sexual assault and rape.
• This can include words and actions like sexual harassment, catcalling, and nonconsensual sharing of private images such as “revenge porn.”
Sexual Violence Impacts Everyone
• Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 67 men in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives (Smith et al., 2017).
• Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Victims often know the person who sexually assaulted them
• People who sexually abuse can be family members, friends, romantic partners, or other trusted individuals.
• They may use coercion, manipulation, threats, or force to commit sexual violence.
Victims are Never to Blame
• It doesn’t matter what someone was wearing, how they were acting, if they were drinking, or what type of relationship they had with the person who abused them.
Sexual Assault is Often Not Reported
• A person may not report what happened for many reasons, including:
-Concern they won’t be believed
-Fear of retaliation
-Distrust of law enforcement
-Shame or fear of being blamed
-Pressure from others
Healing and Justice Look Different for Every Survivor
• A survivor may or may not choose to move forward with the criminal justice system.
• Healing is an ongoing process. Everyone heals in their own time and their own way.
You Can Support Survivors
• Chances are you know someone who has experienced sexual violence even if they haven’t told you.
• They are listening to how you talk about the issue, and hearing that you understand and believe survivors may help them feel safe.
Embrace Your Voice
• Sexual violence thrives when it is not taken seriously and victim blaming goes unchecked.
• Your voice is essential in setting the record straight on sexual violence.
www.nsvrc.org/saam #saam © 2017 National Sexual Violence Resource Center. All Rights Reserved.
