Sexual Assault
Rape and Sexual Assault
Did you know:
- One out of four women will be raped sometime during her lifetime
- Over 80 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim, but almost half of these victims tell no one about the rape
- Nationally, rape is the most under-reported crime
Women ages 16-25 are three times more likely to be raped than women in any other age group
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992
Rape is a violent and criminal act. It doesn’t matter where it is committed or if the assailant is known to the victim. It is often difficult to tell just by looking at someone if he is a rapist. He may be a stranger or someone you know and trust. He may even be a family member. Anyone can become a victim of rape and/or sexual assault.
Sources used in this section:
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault 1993.
"Sexual Violence Facts and Statistics"
United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992.
"Rape Prevention Tips," produced by the
Westchester County Office for Women in 1985.