Exploring Womanhood > Tough Issues > Rape & Sexual Abuse
Rape & Sexual Abuse
Statistical and Informational Resources
Because
so many rapes are unreported, it is somewhat difficult to pull dependable
statistics together. Rapes go unreported because the victims are fearful,
they are embarrassed, they don't remember what happened, they do not
understand the definition of rape, or they are pressured into silence.
Culture may play a role. Reprisal from the attacker is often a fear
for women. Keeping this in mind, it is shocking to read that the U.S.
Department of Justice claims that every two minutes a woman is raped
in America. In 1996, only 31% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported
to law enforcement officials - less than one in every three. [National
Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department
of Justice, 1997.]
Unfortunately,
family violence and abuse are among the most prevalent forms of interpersonal
violence against women and young children. The sexual abuse of a child
should never be "just a family matter," but many children are afraid
to report an incident to the police because the abuser is often a
family friend or relative.
Speaking
out and discussing rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault and all attempts
will help lessen the stigma that for so long has mistakenly been associated
with this abuse.
We highly recommend checking out the RAINN
statistic page. It is rather comprehensive and does a breakdown per types of victims: males, children and teens, college students and more.
For statistical information we suggest visiting the following links. Please send us links with information for YOUR country. This is a world-wide issue and we want to hear all voices.
Some important links
Additional Resources:
