Why We Do What We Do...

 

Sexual abuse and assault are unfortunately widespread issues that impact many individuals globally. Here are some statistics that shed light on the prevalence of these crimes:

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Global Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 3 (35%) women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. According to ManKind Initiative, One in five men (21.7%) said they have been a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime (5.1 million). They consist of 41% of all victims.

 

National Statistics (United States):

 

• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that every 73 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.

• In the U.S., 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some time in their lives.

• About 51.1% of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance.

• The vast majority (91%) of victims of rape and sexual assault are female.

 

Underreporting: It's important to note that sexual assault is often underreported due to factors like fear of retaliation, stigma, and mistrust in the justice system. It's estimated that only 5-20% of sexual assaults are reported to authorities.

 

Impact on Mental Health: Survivors of sexual abuse and assault often experience long-term psychological consequences, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.

 

Intersectionality: Victims of domestic violence are deeply connected to systems of oppression such as racism, poverty, sexism, classism, ableism, xenophobia, and homophobia. These overlapping injustices increase a person’s vulnerability to abuse and create significant barriers to safety, healing, and justice. Survivors—whether women, men, or youth—often face compounded challenges when their identities intersect in ways that society marginalizes.

 

Victimization in Other Contexts: Sexual abuse and assault can occur in a wide range of environments, including schools, homes, workplaces, foster care systems, religious institutions, and correctional facilities. Women, men, and youth may experience abuse by authority figures, caregivers, or peers, often in spaces that should be safe. Incarcerated individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, face a heightened risk of sexual victimization by both staff and fellow inmates. Youth in group homes or detention centers may also face abuse with limited access to protection or advocacy. These contexts compound the trauma of survivors and highlight the need for systemic accountability and safeguards across all institutions.

 

Impact on Mental Health: Sexual violence can have lasting and devastating effects on the mental and emotional well-being of survivors, regardless of gender or age. Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Young survivors may have difficulty concentrating in school, forming healthy relationships, or trusting adults, while adult survivors might struggle with isolation, relationship issues, or chronic emotional pain. Unfortunately, stigma and lack of access to trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health care often prevent many from receiving the help they need to heal.

 

We do this work because every survivor—whether a woman, man, or youth—deserves safety, dignity, and a path to healing. The prevalence of sexual violence and its deep connection to systemic oppression demands a compassionate, intersectional response. By acknowledging the realities survivors face and advocating for equity in support, justice, and mental health services, we aim to break cycles of silence and empower lives to rebuild. Healing is possible, and we are committed to walking alongside survivors every step of the way.