Sexual Assault
Myth: Most rapes are committed by strangers.
Truth: In 8 out of 10 rape cases, the victim knows the perpetrator.
The basic definition: Sexual assault is sexual contact without consent.
That definition leaves many unanswered questions - what is consent? what is sexual contact? There are also many other terms used to talk about different types of sexual assault. Below, you'll find some basic definitions and information, courtesy of RAINN (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
Please note that this information is a bit graphic, which is inevitable when describing crimes this violent.
How many adolescent girls and children are raped?
- Nationally, almost 60% of women who have been forcibly raped were first raped in childhood (under age 18). Nearly 30% were raped before age 11.
- 7% of Oregon’s 8th grade females and 10% of 11th grade females have been physically forced to have sex.
