Rape & Sexual Assault

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What are Rape and Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is a general term that includes any forced or unwanted sexual activity, including rape, incest, sexual abuse, and molestation. Sexual assault includes any forced or unwanted touching of an intimate part of the body, such as breasts, buttocks, or genitals.

Rape, a specific type of sexual assault, involves any forced, manipulated, or coerced penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth, by a penis or other object. Sexual assault/rape is not a crime of passion but a crime of violence, using sex as a weapon to overpower and to degrade the victim. A rapist can be a stranger or someone the victim knows including a spouse, date, or family member.

Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics

(From Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization, 2009, National Crime Victimization Survey: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2217)

In 2009, there were 125,910 reports of rape and/or sexual assault. 

More than half of rape and sexual assault crimes take place between 6pm and 6am.

Females are more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault than males.

Most victims of rape or sexual assault are females younger than 24 years of age.

Most rapes committed against women are committed by an intimate partner (spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend) or someone else they know (friend, family member, acquaintance).

How We Help Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault

Safe Horizon helps over 1,300 people victimized by rape and sexual assault each year. We offer support and services to rape and sexual assault survivors through our Rape and Sexual Assault hotline, as well as through our Community Program offices. Rape and sexual assault survivors can receive in-person help, as well as referrals for resources ranging from medical assistance to counseling, from our staff.

To find out how to get help, go to our Rape and Sexual Assault page.

*Images used are representations of Safe Horizon's clients.