In honor of sexual awareness month, the upcoming blog posts will dissect and explore topics surrounding sexual violence and sexual assault.
Trigger Warning: This blog post includes information regarding sexual violence.
Defining Sexual Assault
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Centre sexual violence is “any form of unwanted sexual contact, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder. Sexual violence can include words and actions of sexual nature against a person’s will. An offender might also use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence”.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
Shocking Sexual Violence Statistics in South Africa According to SAPS:
An average of 116 rapes are reported daily.
Sexual offences increased with 5% in 2021.
Only 1 in 9 rapes are reported.
It is estimated that over 40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetime.
Only 14% of perpetrators are convicted.
South Africa is the rape capital of the world.
90% of sexual violence victims know their abusers.
Types of Sexual Violence
- Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without clear consent from the victim. This includes and is not limited to attempted rape, forced sexual touching, or forcing the victim to perform sexual acts.
- Child Sexual Abuse
Occurs when a minor is intentionally harmed (physically, psychologically, or sexually) by a perpetrator.
- Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Any form of sexual violence that occurs in an intimate relationship. Martial rape is an example of this.
- Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug facilitated sexual assault is when drugs or alcohol are used to compromise an individual’s ability to consent to sexual activities.
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