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.

Facts and Statistics about Rape and Sexual Assault

(From Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization, 2010, National Crime Victimization Survey: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv10.pdf)

In 2010 there were 188,380 reports of rape and/or sexual assault in the United States.  

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 (182,000) than males (40,000).

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).

Help for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault

Safe Horizon provides support to over 1,300 people victimized by rape and sexual assault each year. We offer 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.

Helpful Resources

After Sexual Assault: A Recovery Guide for Survivors

Have You Been Sexually Assaulted? tipcard

Rape and Sexual Assault palm cards

The NO MORE campaign is an effort to increase awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault, ending the stigma surrounding both that can often keep victims from seeking urgently-needed help. The logo at left is a symbol of the movement and of Safe Horizon's commitment to providing victims and their families with support and services.

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