Crimes Against Humanity: Rape and Sexual Violence

Rape is an epidemic that continues to grow in scope and severity. It is one of the most violent, brutal crimes a person can experience and one of the most underreported crimes. This is partly due to the fact that it goes against society’s ideas on what should not be tolerated and partly because victims do not feel comfortable reporting their attacks for fear of recrimination or harassment.

The United Nations designated 2018 the International Year Against Rape, with a target of eliminating such crimes by 2030. There are many risks and consequences of being a victim of rape, not least of which is the psychological trauma that survivors can experience. Any act of sexual violence is a crime under international law. Crimes such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and other forms of sexual violence are included as part of the term crimes against humanity.

Types of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence can be broadly categorized into different types: sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual assault on men and boys, intimate partner sexual violence, incest, and drug-facilitated sexual assault. Each type of sexual violence has its own unique characteristics that must be considered when investigating and prosecuting a case.

Sexual assault is the most common type of sexual violence and refers to any sexual act that is not consensual. Sexual assault can occur between strangers or acquaintances and can take many different forms, including but not limited to groping, fondling, and rape.

Child sexual abuse is a form of sexual violence involving sexually abusing a child under 13. Child sexual abuse can involve physical and sexual contact and result in serious emotional and psychological damage.

Sexual assault on men and boys is any sexual act that is not consensual and committed against a man or boy. This includes forcible fondling, penetration, and oral sex, as well as rape.

Intimate partner sexual violence is a form of sexual violence that occurs when one person in a relationship uses violence, coercion, or intimidation to force another person to have sexual intercourse. This can include pushing, hitting, shoving, and pulling the hair.

Incest is a form of sexual violence that involves sexual contact between family members who are too closely related to each other. Incest can involve any type of sexual contact, from fondling to intercourse.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault is a form of sexual violence that occurs when a person is drugged or drunk before being assaulted. This can include rape by someone who is known to the victim, such as a friend, acquaintance, or family member.

• Types of Sexual Violence
• Types of Sexual Assaults: Women and Gender
• The Different Categories of Sexual Violence
• Sexual Assault and Other Types of Sexual Violence
• Rape and Sexual Violence
• Alcohol or Other Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
• Incest & Sexual Abuse of Children
• Understanding Intimate Partner Violence

Facts and Statistics

Sexual violence is a global problem that requires a global response.

• In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives.
• The rape and sexual assault of females aged 12 to 34 years have drastically increased by a large percentage in recent years.
• In addition, 1 in 6 females and 1 in 33 males are sexually assaulted before the age of 18.
• Worldwide, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of sexual violence.
• The WHO also estimates that around 50% of all cases of sexual violence are not reported to authorities. One reason sexual violence is not reported is that victims may fear reprisals from the perpetrator or members of their community.

• Intimate Partner Violence Statistics
• Contextualizing the Available Research on IPSV
• The Prevalence Rate of Sexual Violence Worldwide: A Trend Analysis
• Facts and Figures: Ending Violence Against Women
• Violence Against Women
• Statistics on Rape and Sexual Violence
• Sexual Harassment: How It Stands Around the Globe
• 16 Shocking Facts About Violence Against Women and Girls

Prevention

There are many ways to prevent rape and sexual violence, and comprehensive mitigation of rape and sexual violence cases involves applying several prevention methods that go hand-in-hand.

• Prevention of rape and sexual violence begins with creating social norms that discourage such behaviors.
• It also is important to educate people about the dangers of rape and sexual violence and encourage them to speak out against these crimes, in addition to providing young people with the skills necessary to resist violent behavior, including teaching them about healthy and safe sexual practices.
• Providing females with opportunities to be successful and powerful in their own right will help to empower them and protect them from being victimized. Empowerment also helps them know they are not alone in their experiences and can find support and resources.
• Creating a safe and supportive environment for victims is also essential – where victims feel safe and protected from harm.
• Supporting victims throughout their recovery process can help them to feel safe again, rebuild their lives, and create change in their communities. Support these victims by providing them with information, resources, and support.

• Global Violence Prevention
• Preventing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
• Quick Facts About Sexual Violence and Prevention
• Enhancing Structural and Operational Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
• Gender-Based Violence (Violence Against Women and Girls)
• International Sexual Violence Prevention Efforts
• Preventing Sexual Violence
• Engaging Boys and Young Men in the Prevention of Sexual Violence

Help and Support

There are professionals designated to help and support individuals affected by rape and sexual violence, and they range from immediate crisis support, such as telephone helplines and online resources, to longer-term support, such as counseling and group therapy. There are also a number of services that specifically target rape or sexual violence victims, such as support groups and hotlines. In some cases, the victim may also be able to receive financial assistance, such as through government programs or private donations.

• Take Action: 10 Ways You Can Help End Violence Against Women, Even During a Pandemic
• Addressing Sexual Violence
• Sexual Violence Against Children
• Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in International Assistance
• Office on Violence Against Women
• Sexual Violence Prevention Program
• Reporting Child Sexual Abuse
• Effective Ways to Approach Sexual Assault Response