Sexual assault is an act of violence that takes several forms. These forms include rape, child sexual abuse, incest, and sexual molestation. Victims of sexual violence include anyone who has not given a clear "yes" to a sexual act, been forced into having sex with another person, given in as the result of repeated "quiet" pressure, or has not yet turned 14 years old.
No one ever deserves to be sexually assaulted, no matter what they have said or done, no matter how they are dressed, no matter what other choices they have made.
who experiences sexual violence?
Sexual violence impacts people of all genders, sexual orientations, economic status, race, ethnicity, religion, body type, and body ability. Victims can be of any age, ranging from an infant to an elderly person; men, women, and people who are transgender or gender-variant; and people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual.
Whoever you are, you have the right to have "no" mean "no."
how does sexual violence impact my community?
1 in 4 females1 and 1 in 6 males2 experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual violence is an issue that affects 1 in 5 Mainers3 per year.
These statistics speak to the necessity of creating safer spaces within our communities. SAVES makes contact with over 100 victims and survivors of sexual assault, and their loved ones, every year through our toll-free, confidential, twenty-four-hour-a-day helpline. We also connect with victims, survivors, and their supporters through our in-school advocacy and education programs, support groups, community outreach and education, and direct support services.
1 Finkelhor, David, et al. Sexual Abuse in a National Survey of Adult Men and Women: Prevalence, Characteristics and Risk Factors. Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal v 14 n1 p 19-28, 1990.
2 Kilpatrick, D.G., Saunders, B.E., Smith, D.W. Youth Victimization: Prevalence and Implications. Washington, D.C. Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 2003.
3 Rubin, Mark. Maine Crime Victimization Report: Informing Public Policy for Safer Communities. Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, 2007.
