Sexual assaults are acts of violence where sex is used as the weapon. Offenders are responsible for the assaults. As many as 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused. An estimated 12.1 million women in the U.S. have been victims of rape. The total of 97,464 forcible rapes reported to law enforcement during 1995 was the lowest total since 1989.
Rape impacts on victims' mental health.
Eight out of ten violent crimes against white women are perpetrated by white offenders. Similarly, almost 9 out of 10 violent victimizations sustained by black women are committed by black offenders. The average age of the offender was 25, ten years older than the average victim age of 15. For more information about sexual assault, contact your local sexual assault program. This sheet may be reproduced.