Sexual violence is defined as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, coerce or otherwise violate a person sexually or use their sexuality against their will, regardless of the relationship with them.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact without permission or consent between two or more people.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE INCLUDES
Intimate Partner Rape
Knowing the Perpetrator
Cyber Sexual Violence
Child Victimization
Sexting
MYTHS & FACTS
ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE.
Forcing someone to engage in sexual activity is an act of violence and aggression. Sex is the weapon used to humiliate and control the victim. In studies of convicted rapists, the majority had consenting sexual partners.
People of all genders and gender identities, ages and ethnicities, who are in cities, on islands, all over the world, have been victimized.
Fighting back is not a criterion for sexual violence. Being forced to have sex, even a threat of force that prevents someone from resisting, is defined as rape.
Cyber Sexual Abuse inaccurately used to be known as ‘revenge porn.” It is the use of social media and other digital communications to control those who are victimized. It’s not about revenge or porn, and can happen to younger and older persons.
Victim-blaming is part of the myth that rape is nothing more than sex. No one asks to be a victim of a violent, life-threatening act. The only person responsible for the behavior of a perpetrator, is the perpetrator.
In 8 out of 10 cases, sexual assault is committed by someone the victim knows. The majority of assaults occur in the home of the victim or the offender, or someone the victim or the offender knows. Over 50% of assaults occur during the day.
SUPPORT AND COUNSELING
Sexual violence is never the victim’s fault. We are here to help. Call us at 340.773.9272, for free and confidential crisis counseling and other services, if you or someone you know has been victimized. You are not alone!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), when we promote awareness of year-round education and prevention efforts and encourage continued support for survivors. Contact us for more information on how you can help or let us know about your SAAM event.
Teal is the color for Sexual Assault Awareness. Free teal ribbons are available at the main office/crisis center and Closet To Closet during SAAM.
Women’s Coalition of St. Croix | 2020-2021 Statistics 1