Preventing Sexual Violence

Sexual violence affects everyone – men, women, children and teens, as well as family members, friends and communities. It may involve sexual assault, harassment and other types of abuse. It can be committed by people we know and sometimes by people we don’t. It can occur in schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. It often occurs in situations of fear and in places where we feel unsafe or powerless. It can be hidden from others and even from ourselves. It is a complex issue and it is difficult to get accurate data on it because it is often under-reported. The most important thing we can do is to prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place. This is possible through promoting safe relationships and behaviors, by addressing attitudes and policies that can lead to sexual violence and by supporting survivors of sexual assault.

The warning signs of sexual violence are not always obvious, especially for young people. They can include being invited to a sex party and being pressured to send inappropriate pictures or texts. These kinds of requests and demands are not consensual, but they can be difficult to reject. It is important to pay attention and trust your instincts. Children ages 12-18 are four times more likely to be victimized than the general population and are at higher risk for sexual assault and sex trafficking. These young people are also at a greater risk for sexually transmitted infections, drug and alcohol abuse, poor decision making and other forms of youth delinquency. People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBTQ) experience sexual violence at a higher rate than others and are at particular risk for HIV infection and other health problems.

A rape or other form of sexual violence can have physical, economic and psychological impacts on the survivor and their loved ones. The emotional impact includes feelings of shock, disbelief, shame, guilt, self-blame, depression and anger. It can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones and can impact work performance. The financial impact can be high because of expenses like medical and police services, lost income and property damage. It can lead to mental and physical health problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia and other conditions. It can also have a negative impact on the community, as it leads to fear and decreased safety and security.

Preventing sexual assault and other forms of violence is everyone’s responsibility, including bystanders. Bystanders can be supportive by offering a judgment-free, compassionate space where a survivor can talk about their experience. They can take action by reporting incidents of sexual violence to the police. They can encourage the victims of sexual violence to come forward and speak up for themselves. Bystanders can take a stand against discrimination and prejudice, including racism, sexism, homophobia and other oppressive attitudes and beliefs that contribute to sexual violence. In addition, they can provide support by helping survivors of sexual assault to find resources for help and recovery.