SEXUAL VIOLENCE

SURVEILLANCE

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND 

RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 

Division of Violence Prevention

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE: 

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND 

RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

VERSION 2.0

Kathleen C. Basile, PhD

Sharon G. Smith, PhD

Matthew J. Breiding, PhD

Michele C. Black, PhD, MPH

Reshma Mahendra, MPH

2014

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 

Atlanta, Georgia

Sexual Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements, Version 2.0 is a set of 

recommendations designed to promote consistency in the use of terminology and data collection related to 

sexual violence. This document was developed through an extensive consultation process. It is published by 

the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Director

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Debra Houry, MD, MPH, Director

Division of Violence Prevention

James A. Mercy, PhD, Acting Director

Suggested Citation: Basile KC, Smith SG, Breiding MJ, Black MC, Mahendra RR. Sexual Violence Surveillance: 

Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements, Version 2.0. Atlanta (GA): National Center for Injury 

Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2014.
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Panel Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

External Reviewers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Uniform Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Sexual Violence and Associated Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Involved Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Terms Associated with Circumstances and Consequences of Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Recommended Data Elements for Record-based and Survey Surveillance of Sexual Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Record-based Surveillance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Survey Surveillance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Recommended Data Elements for Sexual Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Section 1. Identifying Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Section 2. Victim Demographics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Section 3. Victim’s First Known Incident of Sexual Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Section 4. Victim’s Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Technical Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Appendix A: Panel Members and External Reviewers for 2002 Publication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Appendix B: Summary of Recommended Data Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
iv

PANEL MEMBERS

Etiony Aldarondo, PhD

Associate Dean for Research

Director, Dunspaugh-Dalton Community and 

Educational Well-Being Research Center

School of Education

University of Miami

5202 University Drive

Coral Gables, FL 33146

Sarah Cook, PhD

Professor of Psychology

Associate Dean of the Honors College

Georgia State University

P.O. Box 5010

Atlanta, GA 30302

Christine Gidycz, PhD

Professor of Psychology

Department of Psychology

Ohio University

Athens, OH 45701

Sherry Hamby, PhD

Research Professor and Director, 

Life Paths Research Program

Sewanee: The University of the South

735 University Avenue

Sewanee, Tennessee 37383

Dean G. Kilpatrick, PhD

Distinguished University Professor 

of Clinical Psychology

Director, National Crime Victims 

Research & Treatment Center

Vice-Chair for Research & 

Research Administration

Co-Director, Charleston Consortium 

Clinical Psychology Internship Program

Department of Psychiatry & 

Behavioral Sciences

Medical University of South Carolina

67 President Street

Ste BA207, 2nd Floor IOP South

Charleston, South Carolina 29425

David S. Lee, MPH

Director of Prevention Services

California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA)

1215 K Street, Suite 1850

Esquire Plaza

Sacramento, CA 95814

TK Logan, PhD

Professor

Department of Behavioral Sciences

College of Medicine and the Center 

of Drug Alcohol Research

University of Kentucky

333 Waller Avenue, Suite 480 

Lexington, KY 40504-2915

Anne Menard, CEO

Director

National Resource Center on 

Domestic Violence

3605 Vartan Way, Suite 101

Harrisburg, PA 17110

Angela Moore, PhD

Director

Justice Systems Research Division

Office of Research and Evaluation

National Institute of Justice

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, D.C.

Kathleen Parks, PhD

Senior Research Scientist

State University of New York at Buffalo

Research Institute on Addictions

1021 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14203

Jay G. Silverman, PhD

Professor of Medicine and 

Global Public Health

Director of Research, Center on Gender Equity and 

Health

University of California, San Diego

10111 N. Torrey Pines Rd., MC0507; 

Institute of the Americas

La Jolla, California 92093-0507
v

EXTERNAL REVIEWERS*

Nancy L. Bagnato, MPH

Coordinator

Violence Prevention Unit

Safe and Active Communities Branch

California Department of Public Health

1616 Capital Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95899

Karen Baker, LMSW

Director

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

123 North Enola Drive

Enola, PA  17025

Connie Burk

Executive Director

The NW Network of Bisexual, Trans,

Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse

P.O. Box 18436

Seattle, WA 98118

Donna Greco, MSW

Training and Technical Assistance Director

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

123 North Enola Drive

Enola, PA  17025

Binnie LeHew, MSW

Executive Officer

Office of Disability, Injury & Violence Prevention

Iowa Department of Health

321 E. 12th Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Sally J. Laskey, MA

Director of Special Projects 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

123 North Enola Drive

Enola, PA 17025

Diane Moyer, Esq.

Legal Director

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape

125 North Enola Drive

Enola, PA 17025

*CDC invited a large number of external reviewers representing a wide range of stakeholders. The expert reviewers listed above provided 

comments by the time they were due and the document was finalized.
vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge the work of Kathleen C. Basile and Linda E. Saltzman who authored 

the first version of Sexual Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements. Their 

authorship provided the foundation from which we worked. Much of their work is retained in this version.

In addition to the panel members and external reviewers who helped to create and provide comments on this 

and earlier drafts, we would like to thank the following people for their contributions to the panel meeting and 

document revision process: Kathleen Rutherford, for helping to plan and facilitate the expert panel meeting; 

Merle Hamburger, Melanie LaGarde, and Mikel Walters for their helpful assistance in planning the expert panel 

meeting; Julie Gazmararian, Melissa Merrick, and Mikel Walters for their help with summarizing the notes from 

the meeting; Betsy Lescosky for developing the layout; and Alida Knuth for coordinating graphic design and 

printing services.
INTRODUCTION 1

INTRODUCTION

The Problem of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence (SV) is a profound social and public health problem in the United States. The range of 

experiences that pertain to SV is broad and affects females and males across the lifespan. As will be covered 

in more detail to follow, SV includes both penetrative and non-penetrative acts as well as non-contact forms. 

Sexual violence occurs when a perpetrator commits sexual acts without a victim’s consent, or when a victim is 

unable to consent (e.g., due to age, illness) or refuse (e.g., due to physical violence or threats). According to the 

National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS):1

•	 1 in 5 women and nearly 1 in 59 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, 

defined as penetrating a victim by use of force or through alcohol/drug facilitation;

•	 Approximately 1 in 15 men (6.7%) reported that they were made to penetrate someone else during their 

lifetime;

•	 An estimated 12.5% of women and 5.8% of men reported sexual coercion in their lifetime 

(i.e., unwanted sexual penetration after being pressured in a nonphysical way);

•	 More than one-quarter of women (27.3%) and approximately 1 in 9 men (10.8%) have experienced some 

form of unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime; and

•	 Nearly one-third of women (32.1%) and nearly 1 in 8 men (13.3%) experienced some type of noncontact unwanted sexual experience in their lifetime.

Despite efforts to reduce the barriers to reporting these sensitive issues (for example, the behaviorally-specific 

questions, health context, and graduated informed consent used in NISVS), there remains a likelihood of 

underreporting due to the sensitive nature of SV. Therefore, many researchers and practitioners in this field 

believe that existing national statistics underestimate the number of victims of SV.

Just as SV is not limited to physically forced penetration, its perpetrators are not limited to strangers. Indeed, 

perpetrators of SV are more likely to be someone known to the victim.1 Sexual violence is a problem embedded 

in our society and includes unwanted acts perpetrated by persons very well known (e.g., family members, 

intimate partners, and friends), generally known (e.g., acquaintances), not known well or just known by sight 

(e.g., someone in your neighborhood, person just met) and unknown to the victim (e.g., strangers). The 

overarching term “sexual violence” is used here to represent many behaviors that may otherwise fall under 

the rubrics of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and any other sexual violations. In some fields, other umbrella 

terms are used to describe sexual violations, such as the term “sexual harassment,” which is used in studies 

of the workplace and the school setting.2 Although many who work in the field of SV use the word “survivor” 

to describe the person on whom the SV is inflicted, the word “victim” is used in this document in an effort to 

be consistent with agencies from which most of record-based surveillance information is gathered. For the 

purposes of survey surveillance, the word “survivor” may be substituted for “victim,” as long as “survivor” is 

defined in the same way “victim” is defined in this document.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

History of CDC Activities Related to the Development of Uniform Definitions 

and Recommended Data Elements

The Violence Against Women Act in the 1994 Crime Bill established the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) 

Program at CDC. The program was administered through the Preventive Health and Health Services Block 

Grant handled by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Chronic Disease 

Center). In 2001, the administration of the program moved to CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and 

Control (Injury Center). The RPE program is the only national program devoted to SV prevention. The Injury 

Center provides SV prevention funding, training, and technical assistance to state health departments. These 

departments partner with and provide funding to state sexual assault coalitions and over 700 local sexual assault 

prevention programs.

Since the initiation of the RPE Program, CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services convened 

meetings with researchers, victim advocates, prevention educators and other federal leaders to discuss issues 

about SV definitions, lack of adequate data, prevention programs, services and support for SV survivors, 

evaluation of existing systems and programs, and communication between the state coalitions* and state 

health department staff. CDC Injury Center staff worked with SV prevention educators, victim advocates and 

representatives from state health departments and state sexual assault coalitions to develop standardized 

definitions that could be used for SV. The process used to develop CDC’s uniform definitions and data elements 

for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in 1999 was emulated in the development of the original SV definitions 

document published in 2002.

The Need for Revisions to the Definitions and Data Elements

In 2002 CDC published Version 1.0 of Sexual Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data 

Elements.3 (See the Appendices for the list of expert panelists and external reviewers for the 2002 document.) 

This document was intended to guide data collection for public health surveillance of SV. In 2009 the document 

was reprinted with minor edits. The present document, Version 2.0, is a revision of the earlier document. The 

information in this document is intended for surveillance of SV against both adult and child victims.

Even though the CDC SV definitions were published over 10 years ago, there remains a lack of consensus 

regarding the definition of SV and how its various components (e.g., penetrative acts, coercion, sexual 

harassment, non-contact acts) should be measured to understand the problem. Many changes have occurred 

in the SV field since the first edition of the definitions document was created. These changes impact the 

components of a SV data collection system and the prevention approaches that follow. For example, the field of 

SV has recognized the use of alcohol and drugs as a common tactic for perpetrating SV and the importance of 

distinguishing it from physically forceful tactics. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about how to distinguish 

between certain victim-perpetrator relationships, specifically among intimate partners; for example, the term 

“date” can refer to a wide range of relationships, including an intimate partner or an acquaintance. Also, with 

regard to a “completed sex act,” questions have been raised as to the importance of including the roles of 

the victim and perpetrator (i.e., who penetrated whom). Finally, with the technological advances over the last 

decade, more attention has been placed on Internet-based relationships, and it is unclear how the changes in 

access brought about by new technologies are impacting violence victimization experiences. These and other 

questions (described below) were explored in the revisions to the earlier document.

The Revision Process

Version 1.0 of the SV Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements provided the foundation for Version 

2.0. While many items in the CDC Uniform Definitions have been modified and updated, much of the original text 

written by the original authors remains intact.

CDC convened a panel of 11 experts in October 2010 to discuss and provide recommendations for revising 

the previously published SV and IPV uniform definition documents. The goal was to have representation from 

*A state sexual assault coalition is a group of community-based rape crisis centers, sexual assault service provider programs and other 

organizations, institutions, and individuals working to address and prevent sexual violence.
INTRODUCTION 3

researchers and practitioners as well as experts who could speak to both IPV and SV (even if some primarily 

specialize in only one of the areas). In addition, experts who served on one or both of the previous panels/

external groups were included to help provide historical context. The in-person panel included more researchers 

than practitioners due to the need for expertise and experience in survey design, current definitional issues, 

measurement, and federal partner representation. After the in-person meeting, the 11 panelists reviewed and 

provided final input to the revised document. To ensure that the proposed changes were relevant to practitioners 

and service providers, we also sought input from 12 leaders in the practice field and 7 provided comments and 

suggestions.

The key issues discussed and considered by the in-person expert panel that were directly relevant to the SV 

definitions document were the following: 1) how and if to include unwanted non-physically pressured sex, 2) how 

and if to include sexual harassment, 3) whether or not to expand the meaning of “completed sex act” to identify 

who penetrates whom, and 4) how and if to update the Recommended Data Elements. Discussions with the 

expert panel started with these issues and expanded into other topics that resulted in additional changes to the 

documents.

Public Health Surveillance

Public health surveillance is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of 

data related to a health-related event.4 The ultimate purpose of public health surveillance is to direct public 

health action aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality and to improve health.4 A foundational aspect of any 

surveillance system is the identification of a case definition for the particular health event under consideration. 

The use of a standard case definition is one key factor in ensuring that a public health surveillance effort is able 

to collect information in a systematic fashion. A high quality case definition improves the comparability of the 

health-related event reported from different sources of data, such as comparisons among geographic areas, or 

the ability to compare data over time.4 Further, a consistent definition is needed to monitor the incidence of and 

trends for SV, determine the scope of the problem, and to uniformly measure and identify risk and protective 

factors for victimization and perpetration to inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Record-Based Surveillance Versus Population-Based Survey Surveillance

Record-based surveillance involves systematic, ongoing collection, analysis, and interpretation of existing data 

from sources such as emergency departments, police departments, or rape crisis centers.4 These data have 

typically been collected for other agency-related purposes, but can later be extracted and used for surveillance 

purposes. In addition to allowing examination of trends over time, these data are typically inexpensive to collect 

given that the data already exist. Some also refer to this as archival data collection.

Surveillance using population-based surveys involves collecting data directly from individuals. For surveillance 

purposes, surveys are repeated (e.g., annually, biennially) and collect information from individuals using 

systematic data collection from a representative sample of the population of interest. Because surveys do not 

rely upon already existing information, they allow flexibility in the number of questions and the level of detailed 

information that is collected, Furthermore, unlike surveillance using records, survey surveillance provides 

the opportunity to gather information from those who have sustained SV and from individuals who have not 

for purposes of comparison. However, surveys are typically more expensive than record reviews or use of 

administrative data systems.

For surveillance of SV using records, data collectors are encouraged to gather information from appropriate 

agencies in their jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, rape crisis centers, hospitals, elder services, and 

shelters. In gathering this information, data collectors should be aware of two major issues. First, rape crisis 

centers and other victim service agencies are under strict bounds of confidentiality; therefore, access to their 

records may be limited. Many service agencies are overburdened and may not have the available staff to either 

remove unique identifiers or gather information from the records themselves. Second, for several reasons, very 

little information about SV is available from existing medical, law enforcement or other records. Many victims do 

not report the SV they have experienced nor do they seek medical care. Furthermore, if victims seek medical 

care or other services, they may not disclose their victimization experiences. Finally, if victims do disclose 

information, personnel may not always gather or document all of the information necessary to provide adequate 

SV surveillance.
4

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Therefore, to better assess the magnitude of SV, complementing surveillance using records with ongoing 

population-based surveys would allow for more detailed, inclusive data collection of SV presently missing from 

agency records. An example of data that would be difficult to obtain using records is changes in psychological 

functioning after SV. For most victims, these changes can be profound and long lasting.5-7 Information about 

psychological functioning is usually not part of the information asked of victims at agency intake. This is 

particularly true if victims state the reason for their visit to be something such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding, 

rather than explicitly mentioning the SV. In addition, information revealed in an intake interview, such as 

psychological state, is often not recorded. Therefore, psychological functioning and other elements focused 

on the aftermath of SV would be difficult to capture in existing and future record systems and better captured 

through survey surveillance.

Contents, Purpose, and Scope of this Document

This document is the second version of Sexual Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended 

Data Elements (RDEs). The document is intended for use by individuals and organizations interested in 

gathering public health surveillance data on SV. This document has been designed to promote and improve 

the consistency of SV surveillance across organizations. The definitions and data elements in this document 

are recommendations only and are not intended as mandates. Furthermore, the contents of this document do 

not represent instruments to be used for either record or survey surveillance. Rather, the definitions and data 

elements can be used to create measures and instruments for surveillance. When creating instruments, it is 

important to clearly communicate the definitions of SV for the person abstracting data from records or to use 

behaviorally specific measures that reflect the definitions of SV in surveys. The definition of SV separates the 

experience into multiple, discrete violence types. However, it is important to note that victims do not necessarily 

experience SV in the way that the definitions categorize these experiences. To address this issue, the RDEs that 

describe incidents of SV allow for multiple types of SV to be recorded and ascribed to the same incident.

Many of the RDEs included in this document are focused on collecting information pertaining to the most recent 

perpetrator (which is likely to be the focus of rape crisis centers, hospitals, police records and other service 

providers) as well as the first ever experience. However, data collectors may focus their efforts on a wider, or 

more limited, set of violence experiences. Examples include gathering information on all perpetrators over one’s 

lifetime, on all perpetrators in the past 12 months, or on the most severe episode of violence experienced by a 

victim.

The RDEs should not be viewed as measures or specific questions that should be asked. An RDE may reflect 

the combination of multiple pieces of information (i.e., questions in a survey). For example, when measuring a 

respondent’s experience with being penetrated or being made to penetrate someone else, the data collector will 

need to know the sex of both parties involved and the specific act in order to know how to classify the violence. 

This document includes three major sections:

•	 Uniform Definitions for Sexual Violence

•	 Data Elements for Record-based and Survey Surveillance of 

Sexual Violence

•	 Recommended Data Elements for Sexual Violence, which includes:

° Identifying Information;

° Victim Demographics;

° Victim’s First Known Incident of SV;

° Victim’s Most Recent Incident of SV.

For each data element, the following categories of information are listed:

•	 Description or Definition of the data element;
INTRODUCTION 5

•	 Uses of the data element and Type of Surveillance for which it is recommended;

•	 Data Type and maximum allowed Field Length;

•	 Field Values and Coding Instructions that designate recommended coding specification and valid

data entries.

For some data elements, the following additional categories are listed:

•	 Discussion of conceptual or operational issues;

•	 Repetition, an indication of when it is appropriate to include all answers that may apply;

•	 Data Standards or Guidelines used to define the data element and its field values;

•	 Other References consulted in developing the data element.

Not all categories are included for all data elements because some categories do not apply to certain elements. 

Data types and field lengths conform to specifications in Health Level 7 (HL7), a widely used protocol for 

electronic data exchange (HL7),8 and ASTM International’s E1238-97: Standard Specification for Transferring 

Clinical Observations between Independent Computer Systems.9 The Technical Notes at the end of this 

document provide a detailed description of data types and conventions for addressing missing, unknown, 

and null data, as well as recommendations for handling data elements that are not applicable to selected groups 

of individuals.

The order of the types of SV as they appear in this document, starting with “completed or attempted forced 

penetration of a victim” and ending with “non-contact unwanted sexual experiences,” is not intended to suggest 

a hierarchy of resulting trauma. The panel emphasized that all of the types of SV can have serious negative 

consequences for victims.

What is New in this Version?

For the most part, the revisions to this document were framed around the key issues that were discussed with 

the panel and described above. For example, we have updated our definitions to reflect input from the panel and 

changes in the field (e.g., referring to penetration instead of “completed sex act”). We have also expanded the 

descriptions for some of the recommended data elements. The definition of SV in this version specifies who is 

penetrated (either the victim, or cases where the victim is forced to penetrate the perpetrator or someone else). 

The definition of SV in this version also includes unwanted penetration that does not involve physical force, and 

includes sexual trafficking as an associated term. This version also more explicitly includes sexual harassment as 

part of the definitions of unwanted sexual contact and non-contact unwanted sexual experiences. Additionally, 

the reader will find explicit mention of the use of technology to perpetrate non-contact unwanted sexual 

experiences. Version 2 includes a definition of tactics used to perpetrate SV, including fraud or false promises, 

and provides additional examples for some of the types of SV.

With regard to the recommended data elements, this revised version includes a few additional elements, 

including an element for “significant life disruptions” caused or aggravated by victimization experiences, an 

element for “tactics” used to perpetrate SV, and an element for “negative physical health conditions” that 

may be associated with victimization experience. In addition, in this version the references to recommended 

minimum and expanded elements were removed.

Confidentiality and Safety

Confidentiality and safety are of paramount importance in the study of SV, as is true for all research on violence. 

No data should be collected or stored that would in any way jeopardize a victim’s safety. In developing a 

surveillance system for SV, it is important to maintain confidentiality of respondents and ensure the safety of 

victims. The issue of confidentiality must be balanced with the need for data linkage across multiple data sets. 

This could be accomplished with the use of unique identifiers. Unique identifiers are important to link information 

from separate data sources (e.g., rape crisis centers, law enforcement agencies, or hospitals). Unique identifiers 
6

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

are also needed to reduce duplication of information collected and to identify repeat visits by the same person. 

This document does not suggest the use of names or social security numbers as unique identifiers. Unique 

identifiers can be created by using different data components such that the information can be linked to a 

particular person but cannot be traced back to that person without their explicit involvement or assent.

Surveillance systems that measure SV through surveys need to address ethical issues related to collecting this 

type of sensitive information.10 Among the steps necessary in ensuring respondent safety:

•	 Graduated informed consent in which the topic of the survey is revealed only to the respondent, in order 

to decrease the possibility of reprisal by a potential perpetrator living with the respondent.

•	 Well-trained interviewers who are able to skillfully ask about sensitive issues in a respectful manner in 

order to build rapport and maximize the comfort of the respondent.

•	 Developing and implementing a detailed protocol for interviewers to follow should a respondent become 

distressed.

•	 Explicit instructions by interviewers to respondents that they may skip any question or immediately stop 

the survey at any time, especially if the respondent should feel their safety is at risk.

•	 Efforts to connect respondents who are victims to victim advocacy and other needed services, 

particularly if they indicate distress or a desire for such services in the course of survey participation.

Next Steps and Suggestions from the Panel

Although the focus here is on surveillance and measurement issues, the panel identified other important areas 

in need of focus, such as further exploring the relationship between stalking and SV, as well as examining 

protective factors and factors at the outer levels of the social ecology (i.e., community and societal level factors) 

and their relationship to SV. In addition, the issues identified by the original panel are still relevant: disclosure 

issues (e.g., who victims tell about the violence), in-depth study of the psychological consequences of SV, longterm impact of child sexual abuse, and connections between multiple experiences of SV throughout the life 

course.11

Please send questions or suggestions for improving this document to:

Kathleen C. Basile, Ph.D.

Division of Violence Prevention

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS F64

Atlanta, GA 30341-3724

Telephone: (770) 488-4224

E-mail: kbasile@cdc.gov
INTRODUCTION 7
8
9

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS

Sexual Violence and Associated Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Involved Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Terms Associated with the Circumstances and Consequences of Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS 11

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Sexual Violence and Associated Terms

Sexual Violence — Overall Definition

Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act that is committed or attempted by another person without freely given 

consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse. It includes: forced or alcohol/

drug facilitated penetration of a victim; forced or alcohol/drug facilitated incidents in which the victim was made 

to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else; nonphysically pressured unwanted penetration; intentional sexual 

touching; or non-contact acts of a sexual nature. Sexual violence can also occur when a perpetrator forces or 

coerces a victim to engage in sexual acts with a third party.

Sexual violence involves a lack of freely given consent as well as situations in which the victim is unable to 

consent or refuse:

•	 Consent

Words or overt actions by a person who is legally or functionally competent to give informed approval, 

indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

•	 Inability to Consent

A freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact could not occur because of the 

victim’s age, illness, mental or physical disability, being asleep or unconscious, or being too intoxicated 

(e.g., incapacitation, lack of consciousness, or lack of awareness) through their voluntary or involuntary 

use of alcohol or drugs.

•	 Inability to Refuse

Disagreement to engage in a sexual act was precluded because of the use or possession of guns or 

other non-bodily weapons, or due to physical violence, threats of physical violence, intimidation or 

pressure, or misuse of authority.

Sexual violence is divided into the following types:

•	 Completed or attempted forced penetration of a victim

•	 Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated penetration of a victim

•	 Completed or attempted forced acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone 

else

•	 Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a 

perpetrator or someone else

•	 Non-physically forced penetration which occurs after a person is pressured verbally or through 

intimidation or misuse of authority to consent or acquiesce

•	 Unwanted sexual contact

•	 Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences

Penetration

Penetration involves physical insertion, however slight, of the penis into the vulva; contact between the mouth 

and the penis, vulva, or anus; or physical insertion of a hand, finger, or other object into the anal or genital 

opening of another person.

•	 Penetration of Victim

° Penetration of the Victim by Force - Includes completed or attempted unwanted vaginal (for 

women), oral, or anal insertion through use of physical force or threats to physically harm toward 

or against the victim. Examples include pinning the victim’s arms, using one’s body weight to 

prevent movement or escape, use of a weapon or threats of use, and assaulting the victim. 
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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° Penetration of Victim by Alcohol/drug-facilitation - Includes completed or attempted unwanted 

vaginal (for women), oral, or anal insertion when the victim was unable to consent due to being 

too intoxicated (e.g., incapacitation, lack of consciousness, or lack of awareness) through their 

voluntary or involuntary use of alcohol or drugs. 

•	 Victim was Made to Penetrate 

° Victim was Made to Penetrate a Perpetrator or Someone Else by Force - Includes times when the 

victim was made, or there was an attempt to make the victim, sexually penetrate a perpetrator 

or someone else without the victim’s consent because the victim was physically forced or 

threatened with physical harm. Examples include pinning the victim’s arms, using one’s body 

weight to prevent movement or escape, use of a weapon or threats of use, and assaulting the 

victim. 

° Victim was Made to Penetrate a Perpetrator or Someone Else by Alcohol/drug-facilitation - 

Includes times when the victim was made, or there was an attempt to make the victim, sexually 

penetrate a perpetrator or someone else without the victim’s consent because the victim was 

unable to consent due to being too intoxicated (e.g., incapacitation, lack of consciousness, or 

lack of awareness) through their voluntary or involuntary use of alcohol or drugs.

Nonphysically Pressured Unwanted Penetration

Victim was pressured verbally or through intimidation or misuse of authority to consent or acquiesce to being 

penetrated. Examples include being worn down by someone who repeatedly asked for sex or showed they were 

unhappy; feeling pressured by being lied to, or being told promises that were untrue; having someone threaten 

to end a relationship or spread rumors; and sexual pressure due to someone using their influence or authority 

(this is not an exhaustive list).

Unwanted Sexual Contact

Intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or 

buttocks of any person without his or her consent, or of a person who is unable to consent or refuse. Unwanted 

sexual contact can be perpetrated against a victim or by making a victim touch the perpetrator. Unwanted 

sexual contact could be referred to as sexual harassment in some contexts (e.g., school or workplace).

Non-Contact Unwanted Sexual Experiences

Sexual violence that does not include physical contact of a sexual nature between the perpetrator and the 

victim. This occurs against a person without his or her consent, or against a person who is unable to consent or 

refuse. Some acts of non-contact unwanted sexual experiences occur without the victim’s knowledge. This type 

of sexual violence can occur in many different venues (e.g., school, workplace, in public, or through technology).

Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences include acts such as:

•	 Unwanted exposure to sexual situations - pornography, voyeurism, exhibitionism (this is not an 

exhaustive list)

•	 Verbal or behavioral sexual harassment - making sexual comments, spreading sexual rumors, sending 

unwanted sexually explicit photographs, or creating a sexually hostile climate, in person or through the 

use of technology (this is not an exhaustive list)

•	 Threats of SV to accomplish some other end such as threatening to rape someone if he or she does not 

give the perpetrator money; threatening to spread sexual rumors if the victim does not have sex with 

them (this is not an exhaustive list)

•	 Unwanted filming, taking or disseminating photographs of a sexual nature of another person (this is not 

an exhaustive list)
UNIFORM DEFINITIONS 13

Tactics

Methods used by the perpetrator to coerce someone to engage in or be exposed to a sexual act. The following 

are tactics used to perpetrate SV (this is not an exhaustive list):

•	 Use or threat of physical force toward a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with a sexual act 

(e.g., pinning the victim down, assaulting the victim)

•	 Administering alcohol or drugs to a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with a sexual act (e.g., 

drink spiking)

•	 Taking advantage of a victim who is unable to provide consent due to intoxication or incapacitation from 

voluntary consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, or medication

•	 Exploitation of vulnerability (e.g., immigration status, disability, undisclosed sexual orientation, age)

•	 Intimidation

•	 Misuse of authority (e.g., using one’s position of power to coerce or force a person to engage in sexual 

activity)

•	 Economic coercion, such as bartering of sex for basic goods, like housing, employment/wages, 

immigration papers, or childcare

•	 Degradation, such as insulting or humiliating a victim

•	 Fraud, such as lies or misrepresentation of the perpetrator’s identity

•	 Continual verbal pressure, such as when the victim is being worn down by someone who repeatedly 

asks for sex or, for example, by someone who complains that the victim doesn’t love them enough

•	 False promises by the perpetrator (e.g., promising marriage, promising to stay in the relationship, etc.)

•	 Nonphysical threats such as threats to end a relationship or spread rumors

•	 Grooming and other tactics to gain a child’s trust

•	 Control of a person’s sexual behavior/sexuality through threats, reprisals, threat to transmit STDs, threat 

to force pregnancy, etc.

Incident

A single act or series of acts of SV that are perceived to be connected to one another and that may persist over 

a period of minutes, hours, or days. One perpetrator or multiple perpetrators may commit an incident.

Examples of an incident include a husband forcing his wife to have unwanted sexual acts but only one time, 

a stranger attacking and sexually assaulting a woman after breaking into her apartment, a man kidnapping a 

female acquaintance and repeatedly assaulting her over a weekend before she is freed, a college student forced 

to have sex by several men at a fraternity party, a man forcing his boyfriend to have unwanted sex, or a family 

member touching the genitalia of a child during a visit.

Involved Parties

Victim

Person on whom the SV is inflicted. Survivor is often used as a synonym for a victim who is not deceased.

Perpetrator

Person who inflicts the SV.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Intimate Partner

An intimate partner is a person with whom one has a close personal relationship that may be characterized by 

the partners’ emotional connectedness, regular contact, ongoing physical contact and sexual behavior, identity 

as a couple, and familiarity and knowledge about each other’s lives. The relationship need not involve all of 

these dimensions.

Intimate partner relationships include current or former:

•	 spouses (married spouses, common-law spouses, civil union spouses, 

domestic partners)

•	 boyfriends/girlfriends

•	 dating partners

•	 ongoing sexual partners

Intimate partners may or may not be cohabiting. Intimate partners can be opposite or same sex. If the victim 

and the perpetrator have a child in common and a previous relationship but no current relationship, then by 

definition they fit into the category of former intimate partner.

States differ as to what constitutes a common-law marriage. Users of the Recommended Data Elements should 

consult their respective state’s policies to determine the qualifications of a common-law marriage in their state.

Family Member not Intimate Partner

Someone sharing a relationship by blood or marriage, or other legal contract or arrangement (i.e., legal 

adoption, foster parenting). This includes current as well as former family relationships. Therefore, though not an 

exhaustive list, stepparents, parents, siblings, former in-laws, and adopted family members are included in this 

category. This category excludes intimate partners.

Person in Position of Power, Authority or Trust

Someone such as a teacher, nanny, caregiver, foster care worker, religious leader, counselor, coach, supervisor, 

boss or employer (not an exhaustive list). This person can perpetrate against a child (e.g., nanny) or an adult 

(e.g., boss toward an employee).

Friend/Acquaintance

Someone who is known to the victim but is not related by blood or marriage, and is not an intimate partner. 

Examples are a co-worker, neighbor, roommate, classmate, first date with someone you knew before and/or 

continued to know, or a fellow member of an organization such as churches, clubs, or other community groups 

(not an exhaustive list).

Person Briefly Known

Someone who is known to the victim very briefly. Examples include someone just met, such as a blind date, or 

someone just met at a party or bar.

Another Non-Stranger

Someone who is known by sight but is not represented in the categories described above (i.e., not a current or 

former spouse, another current or former intimate partner, a family member not intimate partner, a person in a 

position of authority or trust, a friend/acquaintance, or a person briefly known). Examples include someone in 

your neighborhood, maintenance people, customers, clerks, or someone met online.

Stranger

Someone unknown to the victim.
UNIFORM DEFINITIONS 15

Terms Associated with the Circumstances and Consequences of Violence

Commercial Establishment

A business such as a restaurant, a bar or club, or a gym or athletic facility (not an exhaustive list).

Control of Reproductive or Sexual Health

Includes controlling or attempting to control a partner’s reproductive health and/or decision making. This also 

includes SV behaviors by the perpetrator that increase the risk for sexually transmitted diseases and other 

adverse sexual health consequences (e.g., unintended and frequent pregnancies). Examples include not allowing 

the use of birth control, coerced or forced pregnancy terminations, and forced sterilization because of abuse.12

Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially 

limits one or more major life activities.”13 Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, 

performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, 

breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, maintaining emotional stability, communicating, and 

working.14

Illness

An abnormal process in which aspects of the social, physical, emotional, or intellectual condition and function of 

a person are diminished or impaired compared with that person’s previous condition.15 Illness can be a short- or 

long-term condition.

Law Enforcement

Police, as well as tribal authorities, prison authorities, and campus authorities (not an exhaustive list).

Medical Health Care

•	 Inpatient: Treatment by a physician or other health care professional related to the physical health of the 

victim who has been admitted to a hospital or other health care facility.

•	 Outpatient: Treatment by a physician or other health care professional related to the physical health of 

the victim who has not been admitted to a hospital or other health care facility. Includes treatment in an 

emergency department.

Mental Health Care

Includes individual or group care by a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other counselor related to 

the mental health of the victim. It may involve inpatient or outpatient treatment. Mental health care excludes 

substance abuse treatment. It includes pastoral counseling if such counseling is specifically related to the mental 

health of the victim.

Physical Evidence Collection

Collection of hairs, fibers or specimens of body fluids from a victim’s body or garments that may aid in the 

identification of the perpetrator.

Physical Injury

Any physical harm, including death, occurring to the body resulting from exposure to thermal, mechanical, 

electrical, or chemical energy interacting with the body in amounts or rates that exceed the threshold of 

physiological tolerance, or from the absence of such essentials as oxygen or heat. Examples of physical injuries 

are bruises and vaginal or anal tears attributable to an incident of SV.

Physical Violence

The intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury, or harm. Physical 

violence includes, but is not limited to: scratching, pushing, shoving, throwing, grabbing, biting, choking, 
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

shaking, hair-pulling, slapping, punching, hitting, burning, use of a weapon (gun, knife, or other object), and use 

of restraints or one’s body, size, or strength against another person. Physical violence also includes coercing 

other people to commit any of the above acts.

Pregnancy Impact

Pregnancy resulting from SV or loss of an existing pregnancy following SV.

Psychological Functioning

The intellectual, developmental, emotional, behavioral, or social role functioning of the victim. Changes in 

psychological functioning can be either temporary (i.e., persisting for 180 days or less), intermittent, or chronic 

(i.e., likely to be of an extended and continuous duration persisting for a period greater than 180 days).

Examples of changes in psychological functioning include increases in or development of anxiety, depression, 

insomnia, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociation, inattention, memory impairment, suicidal 

ideation, self-medication, self-mutilation, sexual dysfunction and hypersexuality.

Residential Institution

A location where the victim or perpetrator resides. Includes settings such as a nursing home, a college campus, 

a retirement home, or a jail/prison (not an exhaustive list).

Sexual Trafficking

The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial 

sex act. In order for a situation to be considered trafficking, it must have at least one of the elements within 

each of the three criteria of process, means, and goal. If one condition from each criterion is met, the result 

is trafficking. For adults, victim consent is irrelevant if one of the means is employed. For children, consent is 

irrelevant with or without the means category.16

•	 Process: Recruitment, transportation, transferring, harboring, or receiving.

•	 Means: Threat, coercion, abduction, fraud, deceit, deception, or abuse of power.

•	 Goal: Prostitution, pornography, violence/sexual exploitation, or involuntary sexual servitude.

Substance Abuse

Abuse of alcohol or other drugs. This also includes alcohol or other drug dependence.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Any treatment related to alcohol or other drug use, abuse, or dependence.

Victim Advocacy

Services provided by someone trained in violent crime response that usually occurs by phone, in person or in a 

hospital setting. The services may include crisis response, information, support and referral.
UNIFORM DEFINITIONS 17
18
19

RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS FOR 

RECORD-BASED AND SURVEY SURVEILLANCE 

OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

DATA ELEMENTS FOR RECORD-BASED AND SURVEY SURVEILLANCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 21

I. RECORD-BASED SURVEILLANCE

Record-based or archival data collected across more than one data source requires a unique identifier to link 

information from separate data sources to each other, to reduce duplication of information collected, and to 

identify repeat visits by the same person.

1.01 Case ID

1.02 Data Source

2.01 Birth Date of Victim

2.02 Sex of Victim

2.03 Race of Victim

2.04 Ethnicity of Victim

2.05 Primary Language of Victim

2.06 Disability Status of Victim

2.07 Sexual Orientation of Victim

2.08 Trans, Transgender, or Transsexual Identity of Victim

2.09 City, State, and County of Victim’s Residence

3.10 Negative Physical Health Conditions

4.01 Most Recent Type(s) of Sexual Violence

4.02 Age of Victim at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.03 Number of Incidents of Sexual Violence in Past 12 Months

4.04 Circumstances at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.05 Tactics Used to Perpetrate Victim’s Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.06 Weapon(s) Used During Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.07 City, State, and County of Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.08 Multiple Perpetrators Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.09 Sex of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.10 Race of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.11 Ethnicity of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.12 Age of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.13 Type of Perpetrator(s) at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.14 Whether Perpetrator(s) in Most Recent Incident Has Sexually Victimized Victim in the Past

4.16 Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.17 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.18 Sexually Transmitted Disease (excluding HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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4.19 Pregnancy Impact from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.20 Physical Injury to Victim During Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.21 Deaths Related to Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.22 Change(s) in Psychological Functioning in Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.23 Significant Life Disruption(s) for Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.24 Inpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

4.25 Outpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.26 Substance Abuse Treatment Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.27 Physical Evidence Collection by a Healthcare Provider Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence

4.28 Mental Health Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.29 Law Enforcement Contacted Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.30 Involvement by Rape Crisis Center/Sexual Assault Service Provider Following Most Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

4.31 Involvement by Child Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.32 Involvement by Adult Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.33 Date of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence
DATA ELEMENTS FOR RECORD-BASED AND SURVEY SURVEILLANCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 23

II. SURVEY SURVEILLANCE

Survey surveillance involves ongoing and systematic data collection from a representative sample of the 

population of interest for analysis and interpretation, collecting data directly from individuals affected by the 

condition under surveillance.

1.01 Case ID

2.01 Birth Date of Victim

2.02 Sex of Victim

2.03 Race of Victim

2.04 Ethnicity of Victim

2.05 Primary Language of Victim

2.06 Disability Status of Victim

2.07 Sexual Orientation of Victim

2.08 Trans, Transgender, or Transsexual Identity of Victim

2.09 City, State, and County of Victim’s Residence

3.01 First Known Type(s) of Sexual Violence

3.02 Age of Victim at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.03 Circumstances at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.04 Tactics Used to Perpetrate Victim’s First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.05 Weapon(s) Used During First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.06 Multiple Perpetrators Involved in the First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.07 Type of Perpetrator(s) at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.08 Cohabitation of Victim and Perpetrator(s) at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.09 Number of Incidents of Sexual Violence in Lifetime

3.10 Negative Physical Health Conditions in Lifetime

4.01 Most Recent Type(s) of Sexual Violence

4.02 Age of Victim at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.03 Number of Incidents of Sexual Violence in Past 12 Months

4.04 Circumstances at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.05 Tactics Used to Perpetrate Victim’s Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.06 Weapon(s) Used During Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.07 City, State, and County of Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.08 Multiple Perpetrators Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.09 Sex of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.10 Race of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.11 Ethnicity of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.12 Age of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.13 Type of Perpetrator(s) at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.14 Whether Perpetrator(s) in Most Recent Incident Has Sexually Victimized Victim in the Past

4.15 Cohabitation of Victim and Perpetrator(s) at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.16 Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.17 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.18 Sexually Transmitted Disease (excluding HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence

4.19 Pregnancy Impact from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.20 Physical Injury to Victim During Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.22 Change(s) in Psychological Functioning in Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.23 Significant Life Disruption(s) for Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.24 Inpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.25 Outpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.26 Substance Abuse Treatment Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.27 Physical Evidence Collection by a Healthcare Provider Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence

4.28 Mental Health Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.29 Law Enforcement Contacted Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.30 Involvement by Rape Crisis Center/Sexual Assault Service Provider Following Most Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

4.31 Involvement by Child Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.32 Involvement by Adult Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.33 Date of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence
DATA ELEMENTS FOR RECORD-BASED AND SURVEY SURVEILLANCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 25
26
27

RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS 

FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE
28

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION 29

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

1.01 Case ID

1.02 Data Source
30

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION 31

1.01 CASE ID

Description/Definition

A required, unique identification code for each case in the system used by the agency or survey compiling SV 

surveillance data.

Uses/Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

To protect victim privacy and confidentiality, access to this data element must be limited to authorized personnel. 

Case ID may be assigned by the agency compiling or collecting SV surveillance data, or, specific to recordbased surveillance, it may be an identifier previously assigned by the contributing data source. Case ID may or 

may not be identical to the unique identifier created to allow linkage across multiple sources.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CX — extended composite ID with check digit (20). See Technical Notes.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Component 1 is the identifier.

Component 2 is the check digit.

Component 3 is the code indicating the check digit scheme employed.

Components 4 – 6 are not used unless needed for local purposes.

Enter the primary identifier used by the facility to identify the victim in Component 1. If none or unknown is 

applicable, enter “” or “unknown” in Component 1, and do not make entries in the remaining components. 

Components 2 and 3 are for optional use when a check digit scheme is employed.

Example, when M11 refers to the algorithm used to generate the check digit:

Component 1 = 1234567

Component 2 = 6

Component 3 = M11

Data Standards or Guidelines

Health Level 7, Version 3.08
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

1.02 DATA SOURCE 

Description/Definition

Source from which SV surveillance information is abstracted.

Uses/Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Discussion

No single agency or survey is likely to include all of the data elements recommended. As a consequence, 

anyone setting up a surveillance system will likely need to combine data from a number of sources (e.g., health 

care records, police records). This will allow information about data elements to be gathered from each data 

source used. The mechanics of how to set up relational databases are not discussed in this document. A unique 

identifier will need to be created to allow for linkage across all data sources included. This identifier may or may 

not be identical to the data element 1.01 Case ID.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Emergency department

02 Other hospital department

03 Other non-hospital health care (e.g., mental health or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner 

[SANE] program)

04 Police/Sheriff

05 Prosecutor/District attorney

06 Other court-related or criminal justice-related agency

07 Rape crisis center/Sexual assault service provider

08 Battered women’s shelter/Domestic or family violence program

09 Combined battered women’s shelter/Rape crisis center

10 Other shelter (e.g., runaway, homeless, sex trafficking)

11 Telephone hotline for victim services, other than those provided by a battered 

women’s shelter, domestic or family violence program, or rape crisis center/sexual assault 

service provider*

12 Coroner or medical examiner

13 Vital statistics office within state health department

14 Elder abuse agency/Adult Protective Services

15 Child protective services

16 Disabled persons agency

17 Other victim service agency (specify)

18 Other social service agency (specify)

19 Other agency (specify)

*Sometimes a rape crisis center/sexual assault service provider, a battered women’s shelter, or a domestic 

or family violence program also provides telephone hotline services for victims. If such telephone hotlines 

are the data source, code as “07,” “08,” or “09.”
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION 33
34

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 35

VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS

2.01 Birth Date of Victim

2.02 Sex of Victim

2.03 Race of Victim

2.04 Ethnicity of Victim

2.05 Primary Language of Victim

2.06 Disability Status of Victim

2.07 Sexual Orientation of Victim

2.08 Trans, Transgender, or Transsexual Identity of Victim

2.09 City, State, and County of Victim’s Residence
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 37

2.01 BIRTH DATE OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Victim’s date of birth.

Uses

Can be used to calculate the victim’s age and to distinguish between victims with the same name.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

If date of birth is not known, the year can be estimated from the victim’s age. Birth Date of Victim can be used in 

conjunction with data element 4.33 Date of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence to calculate the victim’s age 

at the time that incident occurred. For survey surveillance, year of birth may be sufficient.

Data Type (and Field Length)

TS — time stamp (26).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Year, month, and day of birth are entered in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, a birth date of April 21, 1969, 

would be coded as “19690421.”

See method recommended under TS — time stamp in the Technical Notes for estimating victim’s age.

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM9 and Health Level 7, Version 3.08
38

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

2.02 SEX OF VICTIM 

Description/Definition

Sex of victim.

Uses/Type of Surveillance

Standard demographic and identifying information for victim.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the 

standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary language, sex, and disability status in all national population 

health surveys that use self-reported information. Implementation guidance for these standards is available from 

DHHS.17

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Male

2 Female

3 Other (Specify)

9 Unknown or undetermined

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM,9 Health Level 7, Version 3.0,

8 Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, 

Sex, Primary Language, and Disability Status17
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 39

2.03 RACE OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Race of victim.

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information on victim. Data on race are used in public health surveillance, 

and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Although the biological significance of race has been scientifically questioned, data on race retain use, albeit 

limited, in public health surveillance and epidemiologic, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based Surveillance

Survey Surveillance

Discussion

Race is a concept used to differentiate population groups largely on the basis of physical characteristics 

transmitted by descent. Racial categories are neither precise nor mutually exclusive, and the concept of race 

lacks clear scientific definition. The common use of race in the United States draws upon differences not only 

in physical attributes, but also in ancestry and geographic origins. The United States Department of Health and 

Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary 

language, sex, and disability status in all national population health surveys that use self-reported information.17 

The DHHS coding categories provide more extensive information than the minimum categories recommended 

by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).18 For comparison purposes, the DHHS categories can be 

aggregated into the five OMB categories. Specifically, the DHHS codes 1 through 3 correspond to the OMB 

categories of White, Black or African-American, and American Indian or Alaska Native, respectively. Combining 

codes 4 through 10 creates the OMB category of Asian and combining the codes 11 through 14 creates the 

OMB category of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

More than one code is allowed for multiple racial categories.
40

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 White

02 Black or African American

03 American Indian or Alaska Native

04 Asian Indian

05 Chinese

06 Filipino

07 Japanese

08 Korean

09 Vietnamese

10 Other Asian (specify)

11 Native Hawaiian

12 Guamanian or Chamorro

13 Samoan

14 Other Pacific Islander (specify)

15 Other race (specify)

99 Unknown

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and 

Disability Status17

Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity18

Other References

Core Health Data Elements (National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics 1996)19
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 41

2

2.04 ETHNICITY OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Ethnicity of victim. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity refers to a person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or 

Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. The term “Spanish origin” can be used in 

addition to “Hispanic or Latino.”

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information for victim. Data on ethnicity are used in public health 

surveillance and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the 

standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary language, sex, and disability status in all national population 

health surveys that use self-reported information. Implementation guidance for these standards is available from 

DHHS.17

Ethnicity is a concept used to differentiate population groups on the basis of shared cultural characteristics 

or geographic origins. A variety of cultural attributes contribute to ethnic differentiation, including language, 

patterns of social interaction, religion, and styles of dress. However, ethnic differentiation is imprecise and fluid. 

It is contingent on a sense of group identity that can change over time and that involves subjective and 

attitudinal influences. Since 1977, the Federal government has sought to standardize data on race and ethnicity 

among its agencies. The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Statistical Policy Directive Number 15: 

Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting18 was developed to meet Federal 

legislative and program requirements, and these standards are used widely in the public and private sectors. The 

directive provides two basic ethnic categories — Hispanic or Latino and Not of Hispanic or Latino Origin — but 

states that collection of ethnicity data need not be limited to these categories. However, any additional reporting 

that uses more detail must be organized in such a way that the additional categories can be aggregated into 

the two basic groups. OMB prefers that data on race and ethnicity be collected separately. The use of Hispanic 

category in a combined race/ethnicity makes it impossible to distribute persons of Hispanic ethnicity by race, 

and therefore, reduces the utility of the five basic racial categories by excluding from them persons who would 

otherwise be included.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

No.
42

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UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano(a)

2 Yes, Puerto Rican

3 Yes, Cuban

4 Yes, another Hispanic, Latino/a or Spanish origin

5 No, not of Hispanic or Latino origin

9 Unknown whether of Hispanic or Latino origin

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and 

Disability Status.17

Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity18

Other References

Core Health Data Elements (National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics 1996).19
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 43

2.05 PRIMARY LANGUAGE OF VICTIM 

Description/Definition

Primary language of the victim.

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information for victim. Data on primary language can be used in public 

health surveillance, and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the 

standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary language, sex, and disability status in all national population 

health surveys that use self-reported information.17

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 English

02 Spanish

03 Chinese

04 Tagalog

05 French

06 Vietnamese

07 German

08 Korean

09 Russian

10 Arabic

11 Italian

12 Portuguese

13 Polish

14 French Creole

15 Hindi

16 Japanese

17 Persian

18 Urdu

19 Gujarati

20 Greek

55 Other (specify)

99 Unknown
44

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and 

Disability Status17
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 45

2.06 DISABILITY STATUS OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Disability status of the victim.

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information for victim. Data on disability can be used in public health 

surveillance, and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the 

standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary language, sex, and disability status in all national population 

health surveys that use self-reported information.17

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Yes.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Deaf, difficulty hearing

2 Blind, difficulty in seeing even with glasses

3 Mental or emotional condition resulting in serious difficulty concentrating, remembering

or making decisions, or running errands

4 Physical condition resulting in difficulty in walking, dressing or bathing, or running errands

5 Other (specify)

9 Don’t Know/Unknown

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and 

Disability Status17
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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2.07 SEXUAL ORIENTATION OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Sexual orientation of the victim.

Uses

Standard socio-demographic information. Data on sexual orientation are used in public health surveillance, and 

in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Prior surveys have shown that the prevalence of SV victimization varies by self-identified sexual orientation.20

This data element does not establish whether a particular incident involved opposite-sex or same-sex persons. 

However, the combination of data elements 2.02 Sex of Victim and 4.09 Sex of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most 

Recent Incident of Sexual Violence can be used to identify whether the most recent incident involved oppositesex or same-sex persons.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Heterosexual, or Straight

2 Lesbian

3 Gay

4 Bisexual

5 Other (specify)

9 Unknown
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 47

2.08 TRANS, TRANSGENDER, OR TRANSSEXUAL IDENTITY OF VICTIM

Description/Definition

Whether or not a person identifies as trans, transgender or transsexual.

Uses

Data on transgender identity can be used in public health surveillance, and in epidemiologic, behavioral and 

social science, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of SV against individuals with a transgender identity, but available 

information suggests there is an association between transgender identity and violence victimization, particularly 

SV victimization.21

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Trans, transgender or transsexual

2 Not trans, transgender or transsexual

9 Unknown
48

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2.09 CITY, STATE AND COUNTY OF VICTIM’S RESIDENCE

Description/Definition

City, state, and county of the victim’s residence at the time the agency or survey providing data to the SV 

surveillance system first documented SV victimization for this person.

Uses

Allows examination of the correspondence between the location of the victim’s residence and data element 

4.07 City, State, and County of Location of Most Recent Incident of SV, and may have implications for 

intervention strategies.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Additional information (e.g., street address, zip code) can easily be added as components of this element if 

linkage across data sources is desired. However, to protect privacy and confidentiality, access to this level of 

detail must be limited to authorized personnel. Data collectors must take every step to ensure victim safety and 

confidentiality if the full extended version of this data element is used.

Data Type (and Field Length)

XAD — extended address (106).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Component 3 is the city.

Component 4 is the state or province.

Component 9 is the county/parish code.

Example: Component 3 = Lima

Component 4 = OH

Component 9 = 019

The state or province code entered in Component 4 should be entered as a two-letter postal abbreviation. The 

county/parish code should be entered in Component 9 as the 3-digit Federal Information Processing Standards 

code. See XAD — extended address in the Technical Notes for additional information about other possible 

components of this data element. The numbering of these components (3, 4, and 9) is consistent with the 

numbering of components used elsewhere for full XAD coding.

Data Standards or Guidelines

Health Level 7, Version 3.08
VICTIM DEMOGRAPHICS 49
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VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 51

VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

3.01 First Known Type(s) of Sexual Violence

3.02 Age of Victim at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.03 Circumstances at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.04 Tactics Used to Perpetrate Victim’s First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.05 Weapon(s) Used During First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.06 Multiple Perpetrator(s) Involved in First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.07 Type of Perpetrator(s) at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.08 Cohabitation of Victim and Perpetrator(s) at Time of First Known Incident of Sexual Violence

3.09 Number of Incidents of Sexual Violence in Lifetime

3.10 Negative Physical Health Conditions in Lifetime
52

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VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 53

3.01 FIRST KNOWN TYPE(S) OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Type(s) of SV involved in the victim’s first known incident of SV.

Uses

Identifies all types of SV that occurred in the first known incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element, through repeat coding, can provide information about each type of SV in the first known 

incident.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed for multiple types of SV in first incident.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 No known SV by anyone

1 Being penetrated, however slight, without the victim’s consent, or involving a victim who is 

unable to consent or refuse

2 An attempted (non-completed) penetration without the victim’s consent, or involving a 

victim who is unable to consent or refuse

3 Being made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else without the victim’s consent, or 

involving a victim who is unable to consent or refuse

4 An attempt to make a victim penetrate a perpetrator or someone else without the victim’s 

consent, or involving a victim who is unable to consent or refuse

5 Unwanted sexual penetration that occurs after a person is pressured in a nonphysical way 

to consent or acquiesce

6 Unwanted sexual contact

7 Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences

8 SV, type unspecified

9 Unknown whether any category of SV occurred in lifetime

If the response is coded “9” (unknown whether any category of SV in lifetime occurred), codes 

“0,” “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” “5,” “6,” “7,” or “8” should not be used.
54

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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3.02 AGE OF VICTIM AT TIME OF FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Age of victim at time of first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

This data element, used with data element 2.01 Birth Date of Victim allows for determination of how long ago the 

first incident of SV happened. It is recommended that the age itself is recorded, and if needed later, collapsed 

into groups for analysis.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Year, month, and day of birth are entered in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, a birth date of August 12, 

1946, would be encoded as 19460812.

See method recommended under TS-time stamp in the Technical Notes at the end of this document for 

estimating victim’s age.

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM9 and Health Level 7, Version 3.08
VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 55

3.03 CIRCUMSTANCES AT TIME OF FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Circumstances associated with the first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

Identifies some of the circumstances associated with the first known incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Additional information can be collected that differentiates illicit and prescription drug use by victim and/or 

perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Victim legally under age*

02 Perpetrator legally under age*

03 Illness of victim

04 Disability of victim

05 Drug given to victim without victim’s knowledge (e.g., Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate [GHB], 

Rohypnol)

06 Alcohol use by victim

07 Alcohol use by perpetrator

08 Other drug use by victim (specify)

09 Other drug use by perpetrator (specify)

10 Substance abuse (alcohol or other drugs) by victim, unspecified

11 Substance abuse (alcohol or other drugs) by perpetrator, unspecified

12 Physical violence or explicit threats of physical violence

98 Other (specify)

99 Unknown

*This age will vary by state.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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3.04 TACTICS USED TO PERPETRATE VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Tactics used to commit the first known incident of SV.

Uses

Identifies all tactics used to commit the first known incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

There are a variety of tactics that can be used to accomplish the perpetration of non-consensual, completed 

or attempted SV. This data element, through repeat coding, can provide information about each tactic used to 

commit the first known incident of SV.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed for multiple tactics used to commit first known incident of SV.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Use or threat of physical force toward a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with 

a sexual act (e.g., pinning the victim down, assaulting the victim)

02 Administering alcohol or drugs to a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with a 

sexual act (e.g., drink spiking)

03 Taking advantage of a victim who is unable to provide consent due to intoxication or 

incapacitation from voluntary consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, or medication

04 Exploitation of vulnerability (e.g., immigration status, disability, undisclosed sexual 

orientation, age)

05 Intimidation

06 Misuse of authority (e.g., using one’s position of power to coerce or force a person to 

engage in sexual activity)

07 Economic coercion, such as bartering of sex for basic goods, like housing, employment/

wages, immigration papers, or childcare

08 Degradation, such as insulting or humiliating a victim

09 Fraud, such as lies or misrepresentation of the perpetrator’s identity

10 Continual verbal pressure, such as when the victim is being worn down by someone who 

repeatedly asked for sex or, for example, by someone who complains that the victim 

doesn’t love them enough

11 False promises by the perpetrator (e.g., promising marriage, promising to stay in the 

relationship, etc.)

12 Nonphysical threats such as threats to end a relationship or spread rumors

13 Grooming and other tactics to gain a child’s trust

14 Control of a person’s sexual behavior/sexuality through threats, reprisals, threat to transmit 

STDs, threat to force pregnancy, etc.

15 Other (specify)

99 Unknown
VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 57

3.05 WEAPON(S) USED DURING FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Type(s) of weapon(s) other than bodily force used in the first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

Documents the use of a gun, knife, or other non-bodily weapon in the first known incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Severity and likelihood of physical injury and other serious consequences may be associated with weapon use. 

Data collectors may want to record more information to elaborate on code “3” (other non-bodily weapon(s) used).

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Gun used

2 Knife used

3 Other non-bodily weapon(s) used (specify)

9 Unknown
58

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

3.06 MULTIPLE PERPETRATORS INVOLVED IN FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether one or multiple perpetrators were involved in the first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

Allows examination of differences between incidents involving one perpetrator and incidents involving more than 

one perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Sexual violence incidents involving more than one perpetrator may differ in nature from SV incidents involving 

only one perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 First incident of SV involved one perpetrator

2 First incident of SV involved two or more perpetrators

9 Unknown number of perpetrators was involved in first incident of SV
VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 59

3.07 TYPE OF PERPETRATOR(S) AT TIME OF FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The type of perpetrator(s) at the time of the first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

Allows examination of a full range of possible types of perpetrators and allows examination of differences in 

experiences by type of perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The relationship of the perpetrator to the victim can change over time; hence the type of perpetrator may 

change. This data element should be coded to reflect the type of perpetrator at the time of the first incident of 

SV described in 3.01.

Legally married spouses are categorized separately in this data element because laws related to SV in some 

states apply only to legally married spouses. Separating these categories would allow the collector to examine 

the differences in experiences that might exist due to the legality of the relationship with the perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 3.06 Multiple Perpetrators), code the type of each 

perpetrator involved in the first incident of SV described in 3.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a current legal spouse of the victim

02 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a former legal spouse of the victim

03 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was another current intimate partner of the victim

04 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was another former intimate partner of the victim

05 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was another family member of the victim

06 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a person in a position of power or trust to the 

victim

07 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a friend/acquaintance of the victim

08 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a person briefly known

09 In the first incident of SV in lifetime, the perpetrator was another non-stranger to the victim

10 In the first incident of SV, the perpetrator was a stranger to the victim

99 In the first incident of SV, the type of perpetrator is unknown
60

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

3.08 COHABITATION OF VICTIM AND PERPETRATOR(S) AT TIME OF FIRST 

KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The living arrangement of victim and perpetrator(s) at the time of the first known incident of SV described in 3.01.

Uses

Allows the examination of differences based on whether the victim and perpetrator were or were not living 

together at the time of the first known incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element could serve as a proxy for familiarity between victim and perpetrator if information about data 

element 3.07 Type of Perpetrator is not available.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 3.06 Multiple Perpetrators), code data on the living 

arrangements of the victim and each of the perpetrators who committed the first incident of SV described in 3.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to be sharing the same primary residence as the perpetrator at the 

time of the first incident of SV

1 Victim was known to be sharing the same primary residence as the perpetrator at the time 

of the first incident of SV

9 Unknown if the victim was sharing the same primary residence as the perpetrator at the 

time of the first incident of SV
VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 61

3.09 NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN 

LIFETIME

Description/Definition

Number of incidents of SV in the victim’s lifetime.

Uses

Provides a measure of the frequency of incidents of SV in the victim’s lifetime by any perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Recall that the definition of incident is “A single act or series of acts of SV that are perceived to be connected 

to one another and that may persist over a period of minutes, hours, or days. One perpetrator or multiple 

perpetrators may commit an incident.” Although the definition of SV includes distinct categories, the codes here 

combine information across the categories to provide a general measure of lifetime prevalence of SV.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 No known SV by anyone in lifetime

1 1 incident of SV in the victim’s lifetime

2 2 or more incidents of SV in the victim’s lifetime

9 Unknown how many incidents of SV in the victim’s lifetime

If data element 3.01 is used and the response is coded “0” (no known SV occurred by anyone ever) or “9” 

(unknown whether any category of SV ever occurred), this data element should not be used.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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3.10 NEGATIVE PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS IN LIFETIME

Description/Definition

Negative physical health conditions that may be associated with victimization history.

Uses

Allows for an examination of a range of negative health conditions that may be correlated with victim status.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based Surveillance

Survey Surveillance

Discussion

Research has shown an association between SV and certain health conditions.11,22,23 This element will not 

indicate a causal link between victim status and negative health conditions such as asthma, irritable bowel 

syndrome (IBS), diabetes, high blood pressure, frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, or pelvic 

inflammatory disease (PID). This element could also be restricted to more recent health conditions, such as 

conditions experienced in the last 12 months, for the purposes of either record-based or survey surveillance.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have experienced negative physical health conditions ever in 

lifetime

1 Victim was known to have experienced negative physical health conditions ever in lifetime

9 Unknown what, if any, negative physical health conditions ever in lifetime

If data element 3.09 is used and the response is coded “0” (No known SV by anyone in lifetime) or “9” (Unknown 

how many incidents of SV in the victim’s lifetime), this data element should not be used.
VICTIM’S FIRST KNOWN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 63
64

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 65

VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

If data element 3.01 is used and the response is coded “0” (no known sexual violence occurred by anyone ever) 

or “9” (unknown whether any category of sexual violence ever occurred), this section (4) of the document should 

not be used.

If 3.09 is used and the response is coded “0” (no known sexual violence occurred by anyone ever) or “9” 

(unknown how many incidents of sexual violence in the victim’s lifetime), this section (4) of the document should 

not be used.

4.01 Most Recent Type(s) of Sexual Violence

4.02 Age of Victim at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.03 Number of Incidents of Sexual Violence in Past 12 Months

4.04 Circumstances at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.05 Tactics Used to Perpetrate Sexual Violence at Time of Most Recent Incident

4.06 Weapon(s) Used During Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.07 City, State, and County of Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.08 Multiple Perpetrators Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.09 Sex of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.10 Race of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.11 Ethnicity of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.12 Age of Perpetrator(s) Involved in Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.13 Type of Perpetrator(s) at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.14 Whether Perpetrator(s) in Most Recent Incident Has Sexually Victimized Victim in the Past

4.15 Cohabitation of Victim and Perpetrator(s) at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.16 Location of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.17 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.18 Sexually Transmitted Disease (excluding HIV) Diagnosed Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence

4.19 Pregnancy Impact from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.20 Physical Injury to Victim during Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.21 Deaths Related to Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.22 Change(s) in Psychological Functioning in Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.23 Significant Life Disruption(s) For Victim Resulting from Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.24 Inpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.25 Outpatient Medical Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.26 Substance Abuse Treatment Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence
66

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4.27 Physical Evidence Collection by a Healthcare Provider Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual 

Violence

4.28 Mental Health Care Received by Victim Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.29 Law Enforcement Contacted Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.30 Involvement by a Rape Crisis Center/Sexual Assault Service Provider Following Most Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

4.31 Involvement by Child Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.32 Involvement by Adult Protective Services Following Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

4.33 Date of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 67

4.01 MOST RECENT TYPE(S) OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Type(s) of SV involved in the victim’s most recent incident of SV.

Uses

Identifies all types of SV that occurred in the most recent incident.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element, with repeat coding, provides information about each type of SV in the most recent incident 

committed by any perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed for multiple types of SV in most recent incident.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 No known SV by anyone

1 Being penetrated, however slight, without the victim’s consent, or involving a victim who is 

unable to consent or refuse

2 An attempted (non-completed) penetration without the victim’s consent, or involving a 

victim who is unable to consent or refuse

3 Being made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else without the victim’s consent, or 

involving a victim who is unable to consent or refuse

4 An attempt to make a victim penetrate a perpetrator or someone else without the victim’s 

consent, or involving a victim who is unable to consent or refuse

5 Unwanted sexual penetration that occurs after a person is pressured in a nonphysical way 

to consent or acquiesce

6 Unwanted sexual contact

7 Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences

8 SV, type unspecified

9 Unknown whether any category of SV occurred in lifetime

If the response is coded “9” (unknown whether any category of SV ever occurred), codes “0,” “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” 

“5,” “6,” “7”, or “8” should not be used.
68

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4.02 AGE OF VICTIM AT TIME OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Age of victim at time of most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element, used with data element 2.01 Birth Date of Victim allows for determination

of how long ago the most recent incident of SV happened.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Year, month, and day of birth are entered in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, a birth date of August 12, 

1946, would be encoded as 19460812.

See method recommended under TS-time stamp in the Technical Notes at the end of this

document for estimating victim’s age.

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM9 and Health Level 7, Version 3.08
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 69

4.03 NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN PAST 12 MONTHS

Description/Definition

Number of incidents of SV that occurred in the 12 months prior to the date of contact with the agency or survey 

providing data to the surveillance system.

Uses

Allows an estimation of the frequency of SV within the last year by any perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Recall the definition of an incident: “A single act or series of acts of SV that are perceived to be connected to one 

another and that may persist over a period of minutes, hours, or days. One perpetrator or multiple perpetrators 

may commit an incident.” Although the definition of SV includes distinct categories, the codes here combine 

information across the categories to provide a general measure of past year incidence of SV. Users can use their 

discretion and capture information on specific types of SV or different ranges in order to capture frequency.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 0 incidents of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or survey providing data to 

the SV surveillance system first documented SV victimization for this person

1 1 incident of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or survey providing data to 

the SV surveillance system first documented sexual violence victimization for this person

2 2-5 incidents of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or survey providing data 

to the SV surveillance system first documented SV victimization for this person

3 6-10 incidents of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or survey providing data 

to the SV surveillance system first documented SV victimization for this person

4 More than 10 incidents of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or survey 

providing data to the SV surveillance system first documented SV victimization for this 

person

9 Unknown how many incidents of SV in the 12 months prior to the date the agency or 

survey providing data to the SV surveillance system first documented SV victimization for 

this person
70

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4.04 CIRCUMSTANCES AT TIME OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Circumstances associated with the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Identifies some of the circumstances associated with the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Additional information can be collected that differentiates illicit and prescription drug use by victim and/or 

perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Victim legally under age*

02 Perpetrator legally under age*

03 Illness of victim

04 Disability of victim

05 Drug given to victim without victim’s knowledge (e.g., Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate [GHB], 

Rohypnol)

06 Alcohol use by victim

07 Alcohol use by perpetrator

08 Other drug use by victim (specify)

09 Other drug use by perpetrator (specify)

10 Substance abuse by victim, unspecified

11 Substance abuse by perpetrator, unspecified

12 Physical violence or explicit threats of physical violence

13 Other real or perceived intimidation/pressure

14 Misuse of authority

98 Other (specify)

99 Unknown

*This age will vary by state.
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 71

4.05 TACTICS USED TO PERPETRATE SEXUAL VIOLENCE AT TIME OF MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT

Description/Definition

Tactics used to commit the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Identifies all tactics used to commit the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

There are a variety of tactics that can be used to accomplish the perpetration of non-consensual, completed 

or attempted SV. This data element, through repeat coding, can provide information about each tactic used to 

commit the most recent incident of SV.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed for multiple tactics used to commit the most recent SV.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Use or threat of physical force toward a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with 

a sexual act (e.g., pinning the victim down, assaulting the victim)

02 Administering alcohol or drugs to a victim in order to gain the victim’s compliance with a 

sexual act (e.g., drink spiking)

03 Taking advantage of a victim who is unable to provide consent due to intoxication or 

incapacitation from voluntary consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, or medication

04 Exploitation of vulnerability (e.g., immigration status, disability, undisclosed sexual 

orientation, age)

05 Intimidation

06 Misuse of authority (e.g., using one’s position of power to coerce or force a person to 

engage in sexual activity)

07 Economic coercion, such as bartering of sex for basic goods, like housing, employment/

wages, immigration papers, or childcare

08 Degradation, such as insulting or humiliating a victim

09 Fraud, such as lies or misrepresentation of the perpetrator’s identity

10 Continual verbal pressure, such as when the victim is being worn down by someone who 

repeatedly asked for sex or, for example, by someone who complains that the victim 

doesn’t love them enough

11 False promises by the perpetrator (e.g., promising marriage, promising to stay in the 

relationship, etc.)

12 Nonphysical threats such as threats to end a relationship or spread rumors

13 Grooming and other tactics to gain a child’s trust

14 Control of a person’s sexual behavior/sexuality through threats, reprisals, threat to transmit 

STDs, threat to force pregnancy, etc.

15 Other (specify)

99 Unknown
72

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.06 WEAPON(S) USED DURING MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Type(s) of weapon(s) other than bodily force used in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Documents the use of a gun, knife, or other non-bodily weapon in the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Severity and likelihood of physical injury and other serious consequences may be associated with weapon use. 

Data collectors may want to record more information on code “3” (other non-bodily weapon(s) used).

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 No weapon used

1 Gun used

2 Knife used

3 Other non-bodily weapon(s) used (specify)

9 Unknown if weapon used
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 73

4.07 CITY, STATE, AND COUNTY OF LOCATION OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT 

OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

City, state, and county of location of the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Allows correspondence between the location of the victim’s residence and the location of the most recent 

incident of SV and may have implications for intervention strategies.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Additional information (e.g., street address, zip code) can easily be added as components of this element if 

linkage across data sources is desired. However, to protect privacy and confidentiality, access to this level of 

detail must be limited to authorized personnel. Data collectors must take every step to ensure victim safety and 

confidentiality if the full extended version of this data element is used.

Data Type (and Field Length)

XAD — extended address (106).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Component 3 is the city.

Component 4 is the state or province. Component 9 is the county/parish code.

Example: Component 3 = Lima

Component 4 = OH 

Component 9 = 019

The state or province code entered in Component 4 should be entered as a two-letter postal abbreviation. 

The county/parish code should be entered in Component 9 as the 3-digit Federal Information Processing 

Standards code. See XAD—extended address in the Technical Notes for additional information on other 

possible components of this data element. The numbering of these components (3, 4, and 9) is consistent 

with the numbering of components used elsewhere for full XAD coding.

Data Standards or Guidelines

Health Level 7, Version 3.08
74

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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4.08 MULTIPLE PERPETRATORS INVOLVED IN MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether one or multiple perpetrators were involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Allows examination of differences between incidents involving one perpetrator and incidents involving more than 

one perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Sexual violence incidents involving more than one perpetrator may differ in nature from those involving only one 

perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 The most recent incident of SV involved one perpetrator

2 The most recent incident of SV involved two or more perpetrators

9 Unknown number of perpetrators was involved in most recent incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 75

4.09 SEX OF PERPETRATOR(S) INVOLVED IN MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Sex of perpetrator(s) involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information for perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 4.08 Multiple Perpetrators), code data on the sex of 

each perpetrator involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Male

2 Female

3 Other (specify)

9 Unknown or undetermined
76

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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4.10 RACE OF PERPETRATOR(S) INVOLVED IN MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Race of perpetrator involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Standard demographic and identifying information on victim. Data on race are used in public health surveillance, 

and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, clinical, and health services research.

Although the biological significance of race has been scientifically questioned, data on race retain use, albeit 

limited, in public health surveillance and epidemiologic, clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey Surveillance

Discussion

Race is a concept used to differentiate population groups largely on the basis of physical characteristics 

transmitted by descent. Racial categories are neither precise nor mutually exclusive, and the concept of race 

lacks clear scientific definition. The common use of race in the United States draws upon differences not only 

in physical attributes, but also in ancestry and geographic origins. The United States Department of Health and 

Human Services (DHHS) requires, to the extent possible, the standardized collection of race, ethnicity, primary 

language, sex, and disability status in all national population health surveys that use self-reported information. 

The DHHS coding categories provide more extensive information than the minimum categories recommended 

by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).18 For comparison purposes, the DHHS categories can be 

aggregated into the five OMB categories. Specifically, the DHHS codes 1 through 3 correspond to the OMB 

categories of White, Black or African-American, and American Indian or Alaska Native, respectively. Combining 

codes 4 through 10 creates the OMB category of Asian and combining the codes 11 through 14 creates the 

OMB category of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

More than one code is allowed for multiple racial categories.
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 77

4

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 White

02 Black or African American

03 American Indian or Alaska Native

04 Asian Indian

05 Chinese

06 Filipino

07 Japanese

08 Korean

09 Vietnamese

10 Other Asian (specify)

11 Native Hawaiian

12 Guamanian or Chamorro

13 Samoan

14 Other Pacific Islander (specify)

15 Other race (specify)

99 Unknown

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and Disability 

Status17

Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity18

Other References

Core Health Data Elements (National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics 1996)19
78

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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4.11 ETHNICITY OF PERPETRATOR(S) INVOLVED IN MOST RECENT 

INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Ethnicity of perpetrator(s) involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01. Hispanic or Latino 

ethnicity refers to a person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central American, or other Spanish 

culture or origin, regardless of race. The term “Spanish origin” can be used in addition to “Hispanic or Latino.”

Uses

Data on ethnicity are used in public health surveillance and in epidemiologic, behavioral and social science, 

clinical, and health services research.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Ethnicity is a concept used to differentiate population groups on the basis of shared cultural characteristics 

or geographic origins. A variety of cultural attributes contribute to ethnic differentiation, including language, 

patterns of social interaction, religion, and styles of dress. However, ethnic differentiation is imprecise and 

fluid. It is contingent on a sense of group identity that can change over time and that involves subjective and 

attitudinal influences. Since 1977, the Federal government has sought to standardize data on race and ethnicity 

among its agencies. The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Statistical Policy Directive Number 15: Race 

and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting17,18 was developed to meet Federal 

legislative and program requirements, and these standards are used widely in the public and private sectors. The 

directive provides two basic ethnic categories — Hispanic or Latino and Not of Hispanic or Latino Origin — but 

states that collection of ethnicity data need not be limited to these categories. However, any additional reporting 

that uses more detail must be organized in such a way that the additional categories can be aggregated into 

the two basic groups. OMB prefers that data on race and ethnicity be collected separately. The use of Hispanic 

category in a combined race/ethnicity makes it impossible to distribute persons of Hispanic ethnicity by race, 

and therefore, reduces the utility of the five basic racial categories by excluding from them persons who would 

otherwise be included.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

No.
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 79

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

1 Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano(a)

2 Yes, Puerto Rican

3 Yes, Cuban

4 Yes, another Hispanic, Latino/a or Spanish origin

5 No, not of Hispanic or Latino origin

9 Unknown whether of Hispanic or Latino origin

Data Standards or Guidelines

Implementation Guidance on Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, and 

Disability Status17

Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity18

Other References

Core Health Data Elements (National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics 1996)19
80

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.12 AGE OF PERPETRATOR(S) INVOLVED IN MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Age of perpetrator(s) at time of the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element, used with data element 4.02 Age of Victim at Time of Most Recent Incident of Sexual Violence

allows for determination of age difference between victim and perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Repetition

No.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Year, month, and day of birth are entered in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, a birth date of August 12, 

1946, would be encoded as 19460812.

See method recommended under TS-time stamp in the Technical Notes at the end of this document for 

estimating victim’s age.

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM9

 and Health Level 7, Version 3.08
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 81

4.13 TYPE OF PERPETRATOR(S) AT TIME OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The type of perpetrator(s) at the time of the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Allows examination of a full range of possible types of perpetrators and allows examination of differences in 

experiences by type of perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

The relationship of the perpetrator to the victim can change over time, hence the type of perpetrator may 

change. This data element should be coded to reflect the type of perpetrator at the time of the most recent 

episode of SV described 4.01.

Legally married spouses are categorized separately in this data element because laws related to SV in some 

states apply only to legally married spouses. Separating these categories would allow the collector to examine 

the differences in experiences that might exist due to the legality of the relationship.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 4.08 Multiple Perpetrators), code the type of each 

perpetrator involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a current legal spouse of the victim

02 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a former legal spouse of the victim

03 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was another current intimate partner of 

the victim

04 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was another former intimate partner of 

the victim

05 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was another family member of the victim

06 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a person in a position of power or 

trust to the victim

07 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a friend/acquaintance of the victim

08 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a person briefly known

09 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was another non-stranger to the victim

10 In the most recent incident of SV, the perpetrator was a stranger to the victim

99 In the most recent incident of SV, the relationship with the perpetrator is unknown
82

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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4.14 WHETHER PERPETRATOR(S) IN MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAS 

SEXUALLY VICTIMIZED VICTIM IN THE PAST

Description/Definition

Whether or not the perpetrator(s) in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01 has (have) sexually 

victimized the victim in the past.

Uses

This data element is designed to determine if there was a history of previous SV by the perpetrator in the most 

recent incident. It can be used to estimate a pattern of violence by the same perpetrator and can be linked with 

data element 4.13 Type of Perpetrator.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Some research suggests that repeated SV by the same perpetrator may increase in frequency or severity over 

time.24,25 This data element, as currently written, does not allow for a record of the changes in the types of SV by 

the same perpetrator over time. Data collectors may wish to create additional data elements to document more 

detailed information about the types of SV committed by the same perpetrator as in the most recent incident.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 4.08 Multiple Perpetrators), code data on each 

perpetrator involved in the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Perpetrator in most recent incident has NOT sexually victimized the victim in the past

1 Perpetrator in most recent incident has sexually victimized the victim in the past

9 Unknown whether or not perpetrator in most recent incident has sexually victimized the 

victim in the past
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 83

4.15 COHABITATION OF VICTIM AND PERPETRATOR(S) AT TIME OF MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The living arrangement of the victim and perpetrator(s) at the time of the most recent incident of SV described 

in 4.01.

Uses

Allows the examination of differences based on whether the victim and perpetrator were or were not living 

together at the time of the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element could serve as a proxy for familiarity between victim and perpetrator if information on data 

element 4.13 Type of Perpetrator is not available.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

If there was more than one perpetrator (see data element 4.08 Multiple Perpetrators), code data on the living 

arrangements of the victim and each of the perpetrators who perpetrated the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to be sharing the same residence as the perpetrator at the time of 

the most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to be sharing the same residence as the perpetrator at the time of the 

most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if the victim was sharing the same residence as the perpetrator at the time of the 

most recent incident of SV
84

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.16 LOCATION OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The physical location of the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element may have implications for intervention strategies.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based Surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element may assist in determining whether certain locations are more common than others.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed if SV in most recent incident occurred in more than one physical location.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

01 Perpetrator’s residence

02 Victim’s residence

03 Perpetrator’s and victim’s shared residence

04 Residential institution (e.g., group home, half-way house, mental health facility)

05 Victim’s place of employment

06 Perpetrator’s place of employment

07 Motor vehicle

08 Bar/nightclub

09 Commercial/retail area

10 Industrial or construction area

11 Office building

12 Parking lot/public garage

13 Abandoned house, building, or warehouse

14 Park, playground, or sports/athletic area

15 School, college, university, school bus

16 Public transportation/station/railroad tracks

17 Hospital or medical facility

18 Jail/prison

19 Hotel/motel

20 Other (specify)

99 Unknown
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 85

4.17 HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) DIAGNOSED FOLLOWING 

MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was diagnosed following the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01, either by record-based documentation or by self-report.

Uses

Documents HIV infection following the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

It is conceivable that HIV could be contracted from sexual contact other than that which occurred in the most 

recent incident of SV. In addition, if the most recent incident of SV was within 3 to 6 months of the survey, 

possible HIV infection may be unknown or undetectable.

Record-based surveillance would document HIV diagnosis based on confirmatory diagnosis information, such 

as test results, patient history, or electronic health records. Survey surveillance would provide self-reported 

diagnosis.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have been diagnosed with HIV following the most recent 

incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have been diagnosed with HIV following the most recent incident of 

SV

2 Victim was known to have been diagnosed with HIV prior to the most recent incident 

of SV

9 Unknown if victim was diagnosed with HIV following the most recent incident of SV
86

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.18 SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (EXCLUDING HIV) DIAGNOSED 

FOLLOWING MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not a sexually transmitted disease (excluding HIV) was diagnosed following the most recent incident 

of SV described in 4.01, either by record-based documentation or by self-report.

Uses

Documents sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection, not including HIV, following the most recent incident 

of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

It is conceivable that an STD could be contracted from sexual contact other than that which occurred in the 

most recent incident of SV. In addition, if the most recent incident of SV was within 3 to 6 months of the survey, 

possible STD infection may be unknown or undetectable.

Record-based surveillance would document STD diagnosis based on confirmatory diagnosis information, such 

as test results, patient history, or electronic health records. Survey surveillance would provide self-reported 

diagnosis.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have been diagnosed with an STD (excluding HIV) following the 

most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have been diagnosed with an STD (excluding HIV) following the most 

recent incident of SV

2 Victim was known to have been diagnosed with an STD prior to the most recent incident of 

SV

9 Unknown if victim was diagnosed with an STD (excluding HIV) following the most recent 

incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 87

4.19 PREGNANCY IMPACT FROM MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The pregnancy impact to the victim following the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element allows for an examination of the relationship between the most recent incident of SV and 

occurrence of pregnancy or loss of existing pregnancy.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element combines a pregnancy resulting from the SV with loss of an existing pregnancy as a result of 

the SV. Data collectors may want to separate these two categories to understand differences between these two 

types of pregnancy impact.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have had a pregnancy impact following the most recent incident 

of SV

1 Victim was known to have had a pregnancy impact following the most recent incident 

of SV

9 Unknown if victim had a pregnancy impact following the most recent incident of SV
88

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

4.20 PHYSICAL INJURY TO VICTIM DURING MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF 

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The physical injury to the victim during the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element documents the extent of physical injury experienced by the victim during the most recent 

incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element only documents those injuries that are recognized as happening during the most recent 

incident of SV. Data collectors may want to gather more detail about the types of physical injuries that occurred 

during the most recent incident.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have suffered any physical injury during the most recent incident 

of SV

1 Victim was known to have suffered physical injury during the most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if victim suffered physical injury during the most recent incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 89

4.21 DEATHS RELATED TO MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

All deaths associated with the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Incidents of SV involving one or more deaths may be different in nature from those that do not involve any 

fatalities.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Repeat coding is allowed if more than one death occurred as a result of most recent incident.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 No known deaths resulted from the most recent incident of SV

1 Victim’s death, by homicide, resulted from the most recent incident of SV

2 Victim’s death, self-inflicted, resulted from the most recent incident of SV

3 Perpetrator’s death, by homicide, resulted from the most recent incident of SV

4 Perpetrator’s death, self-inflicted, resulted from the most recent incident SV

5 Death of someone else resulted from the most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if any deaths resulted from the most recent incident of SV
90

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4.22 CHANGE(S) IN PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN VICTIM RESULTING 

FROM MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The change(s) in psychological functioning caused or aggravated by the most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01.

Uses

Allows an examination of a full range of possible changes in psychological functioning as a result of the most 

recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research emphasizes the links between SV and various changes in psychological functioning.26-29 Data 

collectors may want to gather more detail on the types of changes in psychological functioning to determine 

differential effects of the various types.

Some psychological consequences will not be evident in the most recent incidents of SV (e.g., depression), 

especially if the violence happened relatively recently. But it is important for surveillance mechanisms to try 

to track the multitude of changes in psychological functioning that may occur over time following SV, such as 

increases in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as these are often 

consequences of SV.29,30

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have suffered change(s) in psychological functioning caused or 

aggravated by the most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have suffered change(s) in psychological functioning caused or 

aggravated by the most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown what, if any, change(s) in the victim’s psychological functioning caused or 

aggravated by the most recent incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 91

4.23 SIGNIFICANT LIFE DISRUPTION(S) FOR VICTIM FROM MOST RECENT 

INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Significant life disruption(s) caused or aggravated by the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

Allows an examination of a full range of possible significant life disruptions as a result of the most recent incident 

of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research emphasizes the links between SV and coping mechanisms such as significant life changes.31 Data 

collectors may want to gather more detail on the types of significant life disruptions to determine differential 

effects of the various types.

Some disruptions will not be evident in the most recent incidents of SV (e.g., isolation), especially if the violence 

happened relatively recently. But it is important for surveillance mechanisms to try to track the multitude of life 

disruptions that may occur over time following SV, such as missing work or school, having to relocate residence 

as a result of SV, having to quit a job or quit school, being isolated or experiencing changes in support structure.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have experienced significant life disruptions caused or 

aggravated by the most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have missed work, caused or aggravated by the most recent incident 

of SV

2 Victim was known to have missed school, caused or aggravated by the most recent 

incident of SV

3 Victim was known to have relocated residence, caused or aggravated by the most recent 

incident of SV

4 Victim was known to have quit a job, caused or aggravated by the most recent incident 

of SV

5 Victim was known to have quit school, caused or aggravated by the most recent incident 

of SV

6 Victim was known to have been isolated or experienced a change in support structure, 

caused or aggravated by the most recent incident of SV

7 Victim was known to have other significant life disruptions caused or aggravated by the 

most recent incident of SV (specify)

9 Unknown what, if any, significant life disruptions caused or aggravated by the most recent 

incident of SV
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4.24 INPATIENT MEDICAL CARE RECEIVED BY VICTIM FOLLOWING MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The inpatient medical health care received by the victim following the most recent incident of SV described 

in 4.01.

Uses

This data element documents the inpatient medical care received by the victim.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element may be used as a proxy for data element 4.20 Physical Injury, if that information is not 

available. This element may also provide an estimate of the severity of physical injury and/or psychological 

changes.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have received any inpatient medical health care following the 

most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have received inpatient medical health care following the most recent 

incident of SV

9 Unknown if the victim received inpatient medical health care following the most recent 

incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 93

4.25 OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CARE RECEIVED BY VICTIM FOLLOWING MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The outpatient medical health care received by the victim following the most recent incident of SV described 

in 4.01.

Uses/Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element documents the outpatient medical health care received by the victim. This data element may 

be used as a proxy for data element 4.20 Physical Injury, if that information is not available. This element may 

also provide an estimate of the severity of physical injury and/or changes in psychological functioning.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have received any outpatient medical health care following the 

most recent incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have received outpatient medical health care following the most 

recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if the victim received outpatient medical health care following the most recent 

incident of SV
94

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4.26 SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT RECEIVED BY VICTIM FOLLOWING 

MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The substance abuse treatment received by the victim following the most recent incident of SV described 

in 4.01.

Uses

Research demonstrates links between substance abuse and SV victimization.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

None.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Repetition

Record-based Surveillance: Yes, if victim received more than one type of treatment for substance abuse.

Survey Surveillance: Yes, if victim reported more than one type of treatment for substance abuse due the most 

recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 The victim was known NOT to have received substance abuse treatment following the 

most recent incident of SV

1 The victim received treatment for alcohol abuse following the most recent incident 

of SV

2 The victim participated in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) following the most recent incident

of SV

3 The victim received treatment for drug abuse following the most recent incident of SV

4 The victim participated in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) following the most recent incident of 

SV

9 Unknown if the victim received any substance abuse treatment following the most

recent incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 95

4.27 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE COLLECTION BY A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER 

FOLLOWING MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Physical evidence collection by a healthcare provider completed for the victim following the most recent incident 

of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element documents whether or not physical evidence was collected as a result of the most recent 

incident.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Physical evidence collection may not be applicable if, for example, the incident was non-contact unwanted 

sexual experience or the duration of time elapsed since the incident was too long to collect evidence.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Physical evidence was NOT collected following the most recent incident of SV

1 Physical evidence was collected following the most recent incident of SV

8 Evidence collection is not applicable

9 Unknown if evidence was collected following the most recent incident of SV

If both 8 and 9 are known to be true, use code 8.
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4.28 MENTAL HEALTH CARE RECEIVED BY VICTIM FOLLOWING MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

The mental health care received by the victim following the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element documents care received related to changes in psychological functioning.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research demonstrates the link between SV and serious decreases in psychological functioning. This data 

element may be used as a proxy if information for data element 4.22 Changes in Psychological Functioning is 

not available.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Victim was known NOT to have received mental health care following the most recent 

incident of SV

1 Victim was known to have received mental health care within one year following the most 

recent incident of SV

2 Victim was known to have received mental health care at some time after one year

following the most recent incident of SV*

9 Unknown if the victim received mental health care following the most recent incident 

of SV

*An example of mental health care at some time after one year is if an adult received mental health care 10 years 

after a childhood experience of SV.

If a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider is located in the mental health facility, code as a 

rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider under element 4.30. 
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 97

4.29 LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACTED FOLLOWING MOST

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not law enforcement was contacted at any time following the most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01.

Uses

This data element allows for an estimate of the amount and type(s) of SV reported to law enforcement.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research shows that the large majority of SV is unreported to authorities.32,33 When collecting data through 

survey surveillance, this data element can be used to calculate the percentage of the sample for which the 

most recent incident of SV was reported. This data element can also be used in conjunction with 4.01 Type(s) of 

Sexual Violence and 4.13 Type of Perpetrator(s) to determine if there are patterns of reporting based on type of 

SV and/or relationship to perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Law enforcement was NOT contacted following the most recent incident of SV

1 Law enforcement was contacted following the most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if law enforcement was contacted following the most recent incident of SV
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4.30 INVOLVEMENT BY A RAPE CRISIS CENTER/SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICE 

PROVIDER FOLLOWING MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL 

VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not there was involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider (e.g., child 

advocacy center) following the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element allows for an estimate of the number and type(s) of SV incidents that are brought to the 

attention of rape crisis centers or sexual assault service providers.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research shows that the large majority of SV is unreported, even to rape crisis centers.32-37 When collecting data 

through survey surveillance, this data element can be used to calculate the percentage of the sample for which 

the most recent incident of SV was reported to rape crisis centers or sexual assault service providers. This data 

element can also be used in conjunction with 4.01 Type[s] of Sexual Violence and 4.13. Type of Perpetrator[s] to 

determine if there are patterns of reporting based on type of SV and/or relationship to perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider did NOT occur

following the most recent incident of SV

1 Involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider did occur within 

one year following the most recent incident of SV

Involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider did occur at 

some time after one year following the most recent incident of SV*

9 Unknown if there was involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service 

provider following the most recent incident of SV

*An example of involvement by a rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider at any time after one 

year is if an adult went to a rape crisis center several years after a childhood experience of SV.

If the rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider is located in a mental health facility, code as a 

rape crisis center or other sexual assault service provider.
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 99

4.31 INVOLVEMENT BY CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOLLOWING MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not there was involvement by child protective services for the victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element allows for an estimate of the number and type(s) of SV incidents that are brought to the 

attention of child protective services.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

This data element refers to the victim of the most recent incident of SV. The most recent incident of SV may 

have occurred several years ago, when the victim was a child. The victim can either be a child or an adult who is 

referring back to childhood.

Research shows that the large majority of SV is unreported.34,36,37 When collecting data through survey 

surveillance, this data element can be used to calculate the percentage of the sample for which the most recent 

incident of SV was reported to child protective services. This data element can also be used in conjunction with 

4.01 Type[s] of Sexual Violence and 4.13 Type of of Perpetrator[s] to determine if there are patterns of reporting 

based on type of SV and/or relationship to perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Involvement by child protective services did NOT occur following the most recent incident 

of SV

1 Involvement by child protective services did occur following the most recent incident of SV, 

and resulted in a Substantiated/Confirmed/Founded finding

2 Involvement by child protective services did occur following the most recent incident of 

sexual violence, and resulted in an Indeterminate/Not Determined/Some Indication finding.

3 Involvement by child protective services did occur following the most recent incident of SV, 

and resulted in a Unsubstantiated/Not Indicated/Unfounded finding

4 Involvement by child protective services did occur following the most recent incident of SV, 

and the result is unknown

8 Involvement by child protective services was not applicable because the victim was an 

adult at the time of the most recent incident of SV

9 Unknown if there was involvement by child protective services following the most recent 

incident of SV
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4.32 INVOLVEMENT BY ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOLLOWING MOST 

RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Whether or not there was involvement by adult protective services for the victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element allows for an estimate of the number and type(s) of SV incidents that are brought to the 

attention of adult protective services.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

Research shows that the large majority of SV is unreported.34,36,37 When collecting data through survey 

surveillance, this data element can be used to calculate the percentage of the sample for which the most recent 

incident of SV was reported to adult protective services. This data element can also be used in conjunction with 

4.01 Type[s] of Sexual Violence and 4.13 Type of Perpetrator[s] to determine if there are patterns of reporting 

based on type of SV and/or relationship to perpetrator.

Data Type (and Field Length)

CE — coded element (60).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Code Description

0 Involvement by adult protective services did NOT occur following the most recent incident 

of SV

1 Involvement by adult protective services did occur following the most recent incident 

of SV

9 Unknown if there was involvement by adult protective services following the most recent 

incident of SV
VICTIM’S MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE 101

4.33 DATE OF MOST RECENT INCIDENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Description/Definition

Date of the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01.

Uses

This data element can be used in conjunction with data element 2.01 Birth Date of Victim to calculate the victim’s 

age at the time of the most recent incident of SV.

Type of Surveillance

Record-based surveillance

Survey surveillance

Discussion

If the most recent incident of SV described in 4.01 lasted for more than one day, code the date that the incident 

ended. If the date of the incident is unknown, date of record can be used in record-based surveillance.

Data Type (and Field Length)

TS — time stamp (26).

Field Values/Coding Instructions

Year, month, and day are entered in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, the date May 1, 1996, would be 

coded as “19960501.” See also TS — time stamp in the Technical Notes.

Data Standards or Guidelines

ASTM9

 and Health Level 7, Version 3.08
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TECHNICAL NOTES 103

TECHNICAL NOTES
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

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TECHNICAL NOTES 105

TECHNICAL NOTES

The following Technical Notes are taken predominantly from Data Elements for Emergency Department Systems 

(DEEDS), Release 1.0 (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 1997). These notes provide technical 

information about how the data elements in this document conform to the data types defined in Health Level 7, 

Version 3.0;8 conventions for addressing missing, unknown, and null data values; and recommendations for 

dealing with data elements or components of data elements that do not apply to certain individuals. For more 

comprehensive information about the HL7 data types and the technical terms used in these notes, please refer 

to HL7, Version 3.0.8

Data Types Used

CE — coded element

CX — extended composite ID with check digit

NM — numeric

TS — time stamp

XAD — extended address

Symbols

In the data type descriptions that follow, these symbols are used to denote structural features of 

the data types or to indicate how entries are made in data fields.

< > Angle brackets demarcate each component of a multicomponent data type. For example, the 

three components of the CE data type are represented as <identifier>, <text>, and <name of 

coding system>.

( ) Parentheses enclose the abbreviation of component data types. For example, in the CE data 

type description, (ST) specifies that the <identifier (ST)> component is a string data type.

^ The carat separates adjacent components of a multicomponent data type. For example, the CE 

data type is represented as <identifier (ST)>^<text (ST)>^< name of coding system (ST)>^.

[ ] Square brackets specify a part of a component in which data entry is optional. For example, the 

[SS] in the TS - time stamp data type indicates that entering seconds is optional.

~ The tilde separates multiple occurrences of a single component. For example, if names were 

to be recorded the tilde in the family name Rodriguez~Garcia indicates that the person has a 

compound name.

”“ Double quotes represent null values in alphanumeric fields. For example, the entry of “”in the 

check digit component of the CX data type field would indicate that no check digit was used.
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CE — coded element

Components:

<identifier (ST)>^<text (ST)>^<name of coding system (ST)>^

<alternate identifier (ST)>^<alternate text (ST)>^<name of alternate coding system (ST)>

This data type is composed of two parallel triplets, each of which specifies a coded identifier, a corresponding 

text descriptor, and a designation for the coding system from which the coded identifier is taken. The CE data 

type permits use of different coding systems to encode the same data. Components 1–3 comprise a triplet 

for the first code, and Components 4–6 comprise a triplet for the alternate code. For example, in the coding 

system used in this document, the code “3” (6-10 incidents) for data element 4.03 Number of Incidents of Sexual 

Violence in Past 12 Months is coded:

3^6-10 incidents

An entry “ ” or “unknown” in Component 1, without entries in other components, indicates that the value for the 

entire data element is null or unknown.

CX — extended composite ID with check digit

Components:

<ID (ST)>^<check digit (ST)>^

<code identifying the check digit scheme employed (ID)>^

<assigning authority (HD)>^<identifier type code (IS)>^<assigning facility (HD)>

This data type is used for certain fields that commonly contain check digits (e.g., internal agency identifier 

indicating a specific person, such as a patient or client). Component 1 contains an alphanumeric identifier. 

The check digit entered in Component 2 is an integral part of the identifier but is not included in Component 1. 

Component 3 identifies the algorithm used to generate the check digit. Component 4, <assigning authority>, 

is the unique name of the system that created the identifier. Component 5, <identifier type code>, is a code for 

the identifier type, such as MR for medical record number (see Table 0203 in HL7, Version 3.08). Component 

6, <assigning facility>, is the place or location where the identifier was first assigned to the individual (e.g., 

University Hospital).

NM — numeric

An entry into a field of this data type is a number represented by a series of ASCII numeric characters consisting 

of an optional leading sign (+ or -), one or more digits, and an optional decimal point. In the absence of a + 

or - sign, the number is assumed to be positive. Leading zeros or trailing zeros after a decimal point are not 

meaningful. The only nonnumeric characters allowed are the optional leading sign and decimal point.

TS — time stamp

Form:

YYYY[MM[DD[HHMM[SS[.S[S[S[S]]]]]]]][+/-ZZZZ]

A data element of this type is string data that contains the date and time of an event. YYYY is the year, MM is the 

month, and DD is the day of the month. The time, HHMM, is based on a 24-hour clock in which midnight is 0000 
TECHNICAL NOTES 107

and 2359 is 11:59 p.m., and +/- ZZZZ is the offset from Greenwich Mean Time (for example -0500 is Eastern 

Daylight Time, and -0600 is Eastern Standard Time). If the optional +/-ZZZZ is missing, local time is assumed. 

A TS data field should be left blank when the time of an event or the information is not recorded (missing data). 

As a convention (not an HL78 standard), 99 can be used to indicate that this information is not known:

Entry Description

Leave blank Date/time not recorded

99 Date/time unknown

1996 Year known; remainder of date/time not recorded

199699 Year known, nothing else known

199608 Year and month known; remainder of date/time not recorded

19960899 Year and month known; nothing else known

Examples:

199608011600-0500 A complete date/time indicating EDT

199608011600-0600 A complete date/time indicating EST

For some events the exact date or time may be unavailable and an estimate is preferable to leaving the date/time 

blank or entering 99. For example, if the event is estimated to have occurred 4 days ago (assuming that today’s 

date is June 6, 1997), then 1997060299 would be entered. If the event is estimated to have occurred about 3 

months ago, then 19970399 would be entered.

XAD — extended address

Components:

<street address (ST)>^<other designation (ST)>^<city (ST)>^<state or province (ST)>^

<zip or postal code (ST)>^<country (ID)>^<address type (ID)>^

<other geographic designation (ST)>^<county/parish code (IS)>^<census tract (IS)>

Component 1, <street address>, contains the street address, rural route designation, or post office box. 

Component 2, <other designation>, qualifies the address (e.g., Apt 1). Component 3, <city>, is the city name. 

Component 4, <state or province>, is represented by the U.S. Postal Service code. Component 5, <zip or postal 

code>, takes the form 99999[-9999] for a zip code or has 6 alphanumeric characters for a Canadian postal code. 

Component 6, <country code>, is assumed to be USA if no entry is made. Component 7, <address type>, is 

coded as follows:

Entry Description

C Current or temporary

P Permanent
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M Mailing

B Business

O Office

H Home

F Country of origin

Component 8, <other geographic designation>, is a user’s choice that could include such designations as 

catchment area, EMS region, and health services area. Component 9, <county/parish code>, represents the 

county or county equivalent in which the specified address is located (see HL78 Table 0289 — County/Parish). 

Component 10, <census tract>, is a code that represents the census tract (or enumeration district) in which the 

specified address is located (see HL78 Table 0288 — Census Tract).

Example:

1234 Easy Street^Suite 123^San Francisco^CA^95123^USA^B^^SF
TECHNICAL NOTES 109

DESIGN CONSIDERATION FOR RECORD SYSTEM IMPLEMENTS

Missing, Unknown, and Null Data Values. Missing, unknown, and null data values must be addressed 

consistently by surveillance system implementers. The following definitions and conventions are recommended:

Missing values are values that are either not sought or not recorded. In a computerized system, missing values 

should always be identifiable and distinguished from unknown or null values. Typically, no keystrokes are made, 

and as a result alphanumeric fields remain as default characters (most often blanks) and numeric fields are 

identifiable as never having had entries.

Unknown values are values that are recorded to indicate that information was sought and found to be 

unavailable. Various conventions are used to enter unknown values: the word “unknown” or a single character 

value (9 or U) for the CE — coded element data type; 99 for two or more unknown digits for the TS — time 

stamp data type; and 9 or a series of 9s for the NM — numeric data type. Note: the use of Unknown, U and 9s 

in this document to represent values that are not known is an arbitrary choice. Other notations may be used for 

unknown value entries.

Null values are values that represent none or zero or that indicate specific properties are not measured. 

For alphanumeric fields, the convention of entering “” in the field is recommended to represent none (e.g., 

no telephone number), and the absence of an inquiry requires no data entry (e.g., not asking about a 

telephone number results in missing data). For numeric fields, the convention of entering 8 or a series of 8s is 

recommended to denote that a measurement was not made, preserving an entry of zero for a number in the 

measurement continuum. Note: the use of “” and 8s in this document to represent null values is an arbitrary 

choice. Other notations may be used for null value entries.

Null or unknown values in multicomponent data types (i.e., CE, CX, and XAD) are indicated in the first 

alphanumeric component. For example, in an XAD data type, “” or “unknown” would be entered in the <street 

name (ST)> component to indicate there was no address or that the address was not known, and no data would 

be entered in the remaining components.

Data Elements and Components That Are Not Applicable. Data entry is not required in certain fields 

when the data elements or their components do not pertain (e.g., victim’s pregnancy impact would not be 

applicable to male victims). Skip patterns should be used as needed to reduce data entry burdens.
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REFERENCES 111

REFERENCES
112

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REFERENCES 113

REFERENCES

1. Breiding MJ, Smith SG, Basile KC, Walters ML, Chen J, Merrick MT. Prevalence and characteristics 

of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence victimization in the United States—National 

Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, United States, 2011. MMWR. 2014;63(No. SS-8):1-18.

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APPENDICES 117

APPENDICES

Appendix A

Panel Members for 2002 Publication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

External Reviewers for 2002 Publication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Appendix B

Summary of Recommended Data Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
118

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS
APPENDICES 119

APPENDIX A

PANEL MEMBERS FOR 2002 PUBLICATION*

Nancy Nost Fajman, MD, MPH

Division of General Pediatrics 

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Dean G. Kilpatrick, PhD

National Crime Victims Research and

Treatment Center

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Nancy Koester, MS

Colorado Department of Health

Denver, Colorado

Melvin Kohn, MD, MPH

Oregon Health Division 

Portland, Oregon

Tom Largo, MPH

Michigan Department of Community Health

Violence Prevention Section

Lansing, Michigan

Eleanor Lyon, PhD

School of Social Work 

University of Connecticut 

Storrs, Connecticut

Pamela McMahon, PhD, MPH

Louisiana Office of Public Health 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Angela Moore Parmley, PhD 

National Institute of Justice

Washington, D.C.

Joan Tabachnick

STOP IT NOW!

Haydenville, Massachusetts

Erin Thornley

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Madison, Wisconsin

* These affiliations are at the time of consultation.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

EXTERNAL REVIEWERS FOR 2002 PUBLICATION*

Judith Becker, PhD

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Judy Benitez, MEd

Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault

Independence, Louisiana

Deborah French

Colorado Department of Health

Denver, Colorado

Christine Gidycz, PhD

Department of Psychology 

Ohio University

Athens, Ohio

Wanda K. Jones, DrPH

DHHS Office of the Secretary

Office of Public Health Science 

Washington, D.C.

David Kerns, MD

Department of Pediatrics

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

San Jose, California

Binnie LeHew

Bureau of Disability and Injury Prevention

Iowa Department of Public Health

Des Moines, Iowa

Nancy Linehan

Florida State Health Office

Sexual Violence Prevention Program

Tallahassee, Florida

Judi Moseley

Women’s Health/Rape Prevention Section 

Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction 

Ohio Department of Health

Columbus, Ohio

Jon Roesler

Minnesota Department of Health

St. Paul, Minnesota

Debbie Ruggles

Washington State Department of Health

Injury Prevention Program

Olympia, Washington

Paul Schewe, PhD

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Anne Sims

Rape Prevention & Crisis Intervention Program

Mississippi State Department of Health

Jackson, Mississippi

Patricia Smith

Violence Prevention Program

Michigan Department of Community Health

Lansing, Michigan

Denise Snyder

D.C. Rape Crisis Center

* These affiliations are at the time of consultation.
APPENDICES 121

APPENDICES 123

APPENDIX B

Summary of Recommended Data Elements

Data Element

Description/Definition Surveillance 

Type Data Type

Number Name

1.01 Case ID A required, unique identification code 

for each case in the system used by 

the agency or survey compiling SV 

surveillance data

Record-based 

Survey

CX — 

extended 

composite ID 

with check 

digit

1.02 Data Source Source from which SV surveillance 

information is abstracted

Record-based CE — coded 

element

2.01 Birth Date of Victim Victim’s date of birth Record-based 

Survey

TS — time 

stamp

2.02 Sex of Victim Sex of victim Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.03 Race of Victim Race of victim Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.04 Ethnicity of Victim Ethnicity of victim. Hispanic or Latino 

ethnicity refers to a person of Mexican, 

Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central 

American, or other Spanish culture 

of origin, regardless of race. The 

term “Spanish origin” can be used in 

addition to “Hispanic or Latino”

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.05 Primary Language of 

Victim

Primary language of victim Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.06 Disability Status of 

Victim

Disability status of victim Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.07 Sexual Orientation of 

Victim

Sexual orientation of victim Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

2.08 Trans, Transgender, or 

Transsexual Identity of 

Victim

Whether or not a person identifies as 

trans, transgender or transsexual

Record-based 

Survey 

CE — coded 

element

2.09 City, State, and County 

of Victim’s Residence

City, state, and county of the victim’s 

residence at the time the agency 

or survey providing data to the SV 

surveillance system first documented 

SV victimization for this person

Record-based 

Survey

XAD –

extended 

address

3.01 First Known Type(s) of 

SV

Type(s) of SV involved in the victim’s 

first known incident of SV

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.02 Age of Victim at Time 

of First Known Incident 

of SV

Age of victim at time of first known 

incident of SV described in 3.01

Survey Year, month 

and day 

of birth 

(YYYMMDD)

3.03 Circumstances at Time 

of First Known Incident 

of SV

Circumstances at time of first known 

incident of SV described in 3.01

Survey CE — coded 

element
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UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Data Element

Description/Definition Surveillance 

Type Data Type

Number Name

3.04 Tactics Used to 

Perpetrate Victim’s 

First Known Incident 

of SV

Tactics used to perpetrate victim’s first 

known incident of SV

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.05 Weapon(s) Used During 

First Known Incident 

of SV

Type(s) of weapon(s) other than bodily 

force used in the first known incident of 

SV described in 3.01.

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.06 Multiple Perpetrators 

Involved in the First 

Known Incident of SV

Whether one or multiple perpetrators 

were involved in the first known incident 

of SV described in 3.01

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.07 Type of Perpetrator(s) 

at Time of First Known 

Incident SV

The type of perpetrator(s) at the time of 

the first known incident of SV described 

in 3.01

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.08 Cohabitation of Victim 

and Perpetrator(s) at 

Time of First Known 

Incident of SV

The living arrangement of victim and 

perpetrator(s) at the time of the first 

known incident of SV described in 3.01

Survey CE — coded 

element 

3.09 Number of Incidents 

of SV in the Victim’s 

Lifetime

Number of incidents of SV in the 

victim’s lifetime

Survey CE — coded 

element

3.10 Negative Physical 

Health Conditions in 

Lifetime

Negative physical health conditions that 

may be associated with victimization 

history

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.01 Most Recent Type(s) 

of SV

Type(s) of SV involved in the victim’s 

most recent incident of SV

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.02 Age of Victim at 

Time of Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Age of victim at time of most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

Year, month 

and day 

of birth 

(YYYMMDD)

4.03 Number of Incidents of 

SV in Past 12 Months

Number of incidents of SV that 

occurred in the 12 months prior to 

the date of contact with the agency 

or survey providing data to the 

surveillance system

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.04 Circumstances at 

Time of Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Circumstances associated with the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.05 Tactics Used to 

Perpetrate SV at the 

Time of Most Recent 

Incident

Tactics used to commit the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.06 Weapon(s) Used During 

Most Recent Incident 

of SV

Type(s) of weapon(s) other than bodily 

force used in the most recent incident 

of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.07 City, State, and County 

of Location of Most 

Recent Incident of SV

City, state, and county of location of the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Record-based 

Survey

XAD – 

extended 

address
APPENDICES 125

Data Element

Description/Definition Surveillance 

Type Data Type

Number Name

4.08 Multiple Perpetrators 

Involved in Most 

Recent Incident of SV

Whether one or multiple perpetrators 

were involved in the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.09 Sex of Perpetrator(s) 

involved in most recent 

incident of SV

Sex of perpetrator(s) involved in most 

recent incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.10 Race of Perpetrator(s) 

Involved in Most 

Recent Incident of SV

Race of perpetrator(s) involved in most 

recent incident of SV in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.11 Ethnicity of 

Perpetrator(s) Involved 

in Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Ethnicity of perpetrator(s) involved 

in the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01. Hispanic or Latino 

ethnicity refers to a person of Mexican, 

Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central 

American, or other Spanish culture 

or origin, regardless of race. The 

term “Spanish origin” can be used in 

addition to “Hispanic or Latino.”

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.12 Age of Perpetrator(s) 

Involved in Most 

Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

Age of perpetrator(s) involved in most 

recent incident of SV in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

Year, month 

and day 

of birth 

(YYYMMDD)

4.13 Type of Perpetrator(s) 

at Time of Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Type of perpetrator(s) at time of most 

recent incident of SV in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.14 Whether Perpetrator(s) 

in Most Recent 

Incident Has Sexually 

Victimized Victim in the 

Past

Whether or not the perpetrator(s) in 

most recent incident of SV has (have) 

sexually victimized victim in the past

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.15 Cohabitation of Victim 

and Perpetrator(s) at 

Time of Most Recent 

Incident of SV

The living arrangement of the victim 

and perpetrator(s) at the time of the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Survey CE — coded 

element

4.16 Location of Most 

Recent Incident of SV

The physical location of the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.17 Human 

Immunodeficiency 

Virus (HIV) Diagnosed 

following most recent 

incident of SV

Whether or not Human 

Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was 

diagnosed following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.18 Sexually Transmitted 

Disease (excluding HIV) 

Diagnosed Following 

Most Recent Incident 

of Sexual Violence

Whether or not sexually transmitted 

disease (excluding HIV) was diagnosed 

following the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.19 Pregnancy Impact 

From Most Recent 

Incident of Sexual 

Violence

The pregnancy impact to the victim 

following the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element
126

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE:

UNIFORM DEFINITIONS AND RECOMMENDED DATA ELEMENTS

Data Element

Description/Definition Surveillance 

Type Data Type

Number Name

4.20 Physical Injury to 

Victim During Most 

Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

The physical injury to the victim 

during the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.21 Deaths Related to Most 

Recent Incident of SV

All deaths associated with the most 

recent incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based CE — coded 

element

4.22 Change(s) in 

Psychological 

Functioning in Victim 

Resulting From Most 

Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

The change(s) in psychological 

functioning caused or aggravated 

by the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.23 Significant Life 

Disruption(s) for Victim 

Resulting From Most 

Recent Incident of SV

Significant life disruption(s) caused or 

aggravated by the most recent incident 

of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.24 Inpatient Medical Care 

Received by Victim 

Following Most Recent 

Incident of SV

The inpatient medical health care 

received by the victim following the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.25 Outpatient Medical 

Care Received by Year, 

Month and Day of Birth 

(YYYMMDD) Victim 

Following Most Recent 

Incident of SV

The outpatient medical health care 

received by the victim following the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.26 Substance Abuse 

Treatment Received by 

Victim Following Most 

Recent Incident of 

Sexual Violence

The substance abuse treatment 

received by the victim following the 

most recent violent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.27 Physical Evidence 

Collection by a 

Healthcare Provider 

Following Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Physical evidence collection by a 

healthcare provider completed for 

the victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.28 Mental Health Care 

Received by Victim 

Following Most Recent 

Incident of SV

The mental health care received by 

the victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CX — 

extended 

composite ID 

with check 

digit

4.29 Law Enforcement 

Contacted Following 

Most Recent Incident 

of SV

Whether or not law enforcement was 

contacted at any time following the 

most recent incident of SV described in 

4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.30 Involvement by Rape 

Crisis Center/Sexual 

Assault Service 

Provider Following 

Most Recent Incident 

of SV

Whether or not there was involvement 

by a rape crisis center or other sexual 

assault service provider (e.g., child 

advocacy center) following the most 

recent incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

TS — time 

stamp
APPENDICES 127

Data Element

Description/Definition Surveillance 

Type Data Type

Number Name

4.31 Involvement by Child 

Protective Services 

Following Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Whether or not there was involvement 

by child protective services for the 

victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.32 Involvement by Adult 

Protective Services 

Following Most Recent 

incident of SV

Whether or not there was involvement 

by adult protective services for the 

victim following the most recent 

incident of SV described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element

4.33 Date of Most Recent 

Incident of SV

Date of the most recent incident of SV 

described in 4.01

Record-based 

Survey

CE — coded 

element
US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

www.cdc.gov/ncipc

CS240344