Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence

According to a national survey of high school students called the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS),  approximately 9% of students reported having been forced to have sexual intercourse against their will in their lifetime.

Female students (11.9%) were more likely than male students (6.1%) to report having been sexually assaulted. Overall, 12.3% of Black students, 10.4% of Hispanic students, and 7.3% of White students reported forced sexual intercourse (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004).

Here are some definitions that will help you to understand the difference between different acts of violence.

Rape: Any time a person is forced to have sex through verbal or physical coercion or force and their protests or objections are ignored. (Second Step)

Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is any genital, oral or anal penetration by a part of the accused’s body or by an object, using force or without a victim’s consent.

Date Rape: Sexual assault by an individual wit whom the victim has a “dating” relationship and the sexual assault takes place in the context of this relationship. (National Victim Center)

Acquaintance Rape: A sexual assault by an individual known to the victim. (National Victim Center)


The Effects of Sexual Violence/Rape

  • Many long-lasting physical symptoms and illnesses have been associated with sexual victimization including chronic pelvic pain; premenstrual syndrome; gastrointestinal disorders; and a variety of chronic pain disorders, including headache, back pain, and facial pain.
  • Between 4% and 30% of rape victims contract sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
  • A longitudinal study in the United States estimated that over 32,000 pregnancies result each year from rape in victims age 12 to 45 years.
  • Sexual violence victims exhibit a variety of psychological symptoms that are similar to those of victims of other types of trauma, such as war and natural disaster.
  • Immediate reactions to rape include shock, disbelief, denial, fear, confusion, anxiety, and withdrawal.
  • Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are usually present immediately after a rape. Victims may experience emotional, detachment, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks. Approximately one third of rape victims have symptoms that continue for three months or become chronic.
  • Rape victims often experience anxiety, guilt, nervousness, phobias, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, depression, alienation, and sexual dysfunction. They often distrust others and replay the assault in their minds, and are at increased risk of re-victimization.
  • Women reporting forced sex are at significantly greater risk of depression and PTSD than those who have not been abused.
  • Women with a history of sexual assault are more likely to attempt or commit suicide than other women.
  • Rape can strain relationships because of its negative effect on the victim’s family, friends, and intimate partners.
  • Victims of sexual violence are more likely than non-victims to engage in risky sexual behavior including having unprotected sex, having sex at an early age, having multiple sex partners, teen pregnancy, and trading sex for food, money, or other items. Some researchers view these consequences of sexual violence as vulnerability factors for future victimization.
  • Rape victims are also more likely than non-victims to engage in other risky behavior, such as smoking cigarettes, overeating, drinking alcohol, and are not likely to use seat belts.


What to Do if a Friend Tells You She/He Has Been Raped

  • Listen.
  • Let them know that you believe their account of what happened.
  • Let them know that it was not their fault and they are not to blame.
  • Control your own emotions.
  • Give comfort.
  • Allow the victim to make decisions.
  • Offer shelter.
  • Continue to provide support.


What to Do If You are the Victim of Sexual Violence

  • Contact a friend, relative, neighbor, teacher, counselor, someone you trust. Do not feel alone; there are people who can give you the emotional support you need.
  • Report the attack to the police
  • Seek medical attention right away. Do not shower or clean up first. As soon as possible got to a hospital or health center. Get examined and treated for possible sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.


Hotlines:

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE

National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453

Sources:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2004.