Previously the problem of sexual assault was narrowly defined as the rape of an adult woman by a stranger and it was perceived only as a woman’s issue.

Today, sexual assault has a broader definition. It not only includes the rape of adult women but also the sexual victimization of young girls and boys and of adult men. It is estimated that one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be the victim of sexual assault before their eighteenth birthday. Statistically, over 80% of these children will be victimized by someone they know and trust – a parent, uncle, brother, family friend, teacher, babysitter, etc.  According to child protective services, over 4,000 children are sexually abused each year in Indiana alone.

A woman’s risk of being raped by someone she knows is at least four times greater than of being raped by a stranger. One out of every four college women has been raped or the victim of an attempted rape by a boyfriend, date or acquaintance. In Indiana one out of every seven women is the victim of rape and over 2,000 rapes occur in the state each year.

As previously mentioned, sexual assault is not just a woman’s issue. It’s estimated that up to 10% percent of all adult rape victims are male. Contrary to popular belief, male rape is not something that only happens in prison. It can happen to any man regardless of size, strength, appearance, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

Sexual assault not only affects the victims, it also affects their family, friends, co-workers, etc. While the immediate physical and mental affects can be devastating for the victim, the long-term consequences can have a devastating and destructive affect for the community as well.

April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase the community’s awareness of the problem of sexual violence. It’s also an opportunity to commit ourselves to those actions we can take as individuals and as a community to reduce this epidemic.


What you can do-

Know the facts and challenge your friends when they perpetuate myths and stereotypes about sexual violence.

Confront violent and sexually abusive behavior when you see or hear it.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to stay safe-take a sexual assault awareness and/or self-defense class.

Show your support and educate others about preventing sexual violence.

Share your knowledge with your family and friends.

Confront sexist jokes or humor that objectifies women.


Sexual violence can be reduced and even stopped. It just requires that each of us take an active role in keeping ourselves and our community safe.


Contact Personal Safety Unlimited for more information on our Sexual Assault Awareness programs for both girls and boys or for reality-based self-defense training that just works. Don't let assault happen to you or your loved ones, take a stand now!