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

51% of female survivors reported being raped by an intimate partner.

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Use our contact form or call 340.773.9272, for more information.
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Knowing the Perpetrator

In about 80% of cases, the victim knew the perpetrator.

Cyber Sexual Violence

It affects more than just millenials. It is the use of social media and other digital communications to damage a person's self-esteem, reputation and mental health.

Child Victimization

30% of females were between the ages of 11 and 17 at the time of their first victimization. 28% of males were aged 10 or younger at the time of their first victimization.

Sexting

The sharing of photos or other messages without consent is a serious violation of privacy. It is a crime to send or share pictures or messages about someone under 18.

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