Victim-blaming harms our communities.
Research shows that negative reactions from friends and family and the acceptance of rape myths in our communities further harms survivors after they experience an assault.
Victim-blaming leads to increased depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in survivors, and also decreases their chances of further seeking the help and support they need.
You likely know someone who has experienced sexual violence.
According to the CDC's most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, sexual violence is incredibly common.
-
1 in 4 women have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime.
-
Nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual coercion in their lifetime.
-
1 in 2 women have experienced unwanted sexual contact of some kind in their lifetime.
-
1 in 9 men have been made to penetrate someone in their lifetime.
-
Nearly 1 in 9 men have experienced sexual coercion in their lifetime.
-
1 in 4 men have experienced unwanted sexual contact of some kind in their lifetime.
Change starts with you.
Make a commitment today to:
-
Be the First to speak out against victim-blaming
-
Be the First to believe a survivor when they tell you their story
-
Be the First to support a survivor on their path to healing