There are many misconceptions when it comes to sexual assault and harassment. Who are the victims? Who are the perpetrators? Where can it happen? Take a look below to see what is true – and what is fabricated – about these common questions.Many victims of sexual assault have feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and guilt. These are normal feelings to experience after being sexually assaulted. They are also symptoms of the sexual violence the victim suffered; they are not a reality that victims are forced to live with for the rest of their lives.

Anyone can be sexually assaulted regardless of race, gender identity, age, sex, sexual orientation, or religion. Sexual harassment can occur between persons of the same sex, different sex, and those who are transgender.

Sexual assault is common. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), one in five women and one in seventy-one men will be raped at some point in their lives. One third of women and one sixth of men will experience some form of sexual violence. The victim knows who the perpetrator is 80% of the time.

Children are also victims of sexual assault and harassment. According to the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, “325,000 children per year are currently at risk of becoming victims of commercial child sexual exploitation.” One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn eighteen. 30% of women were between the ages of 11 and 17 at the time of their first rape. 27.8% of men were 10 or younger at the time of their first rape.

Some behaviors may be considered sexual harassment if they are unwelcome, severe, or pervasive. Examples of such behaviors include but are not limited to:

– Physical conduct such as rape, assault, or inappropriate touching.
– Verbal/written conduct includes comments about a person’s body, behavior, or clothing as well as sexual jokes.
– Non-verbal conduct such as looking up and down a person’s body, derogatory gestures, and stalking.
– Visual displays like posters, drawings, pictures, or emails of a sexual nature.

Again, these are not the only behaviors that define sexual harassment.

If you have been sexually assaulted, here are some steps you can take, if you so choose:

Get somewhere where you feel safe. Immediately after an assault, many people are in a state of shock and feel a sense of being overwhelmed.
Reach out for support. You can reach out to someone you trust or a hotline and speak anonymously with a trained support specialist.
Think about your medical options. While you might feel reluctant to seek medical attention, it is important to be treated for your injuries and check your physical health. Medical professionals can also provide a rape kit to obtain evidence.
Process the assault. It’s common for sexual assault victims to avoid addressing their assault. To effectively cope with this trauma, it cannot be ignored and swept under the rug.
Report your assault. 63% of sexual assaults are not reported. There are many reasons why a victim of sexual assault may not want to report it. Ultimately, it is up to the victim.

If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted, it is important to remember that you are not alone.

Sources: National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation; National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC); Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN); University of Southern California

Sexual Assault and Harassment: Facts and Statistics