Sexual Violence Surveillance Uniform Definitions And Recommended Data Elements
INTRODUCTION
The Problem of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence (SV) is a profound social and public health problem in the United States. The range of experiences that pertain to SV is broad and affects females and males across the lifespan. As will be covered in more detail to follow, SV includes both penetrative and non-penetrative acts as well as non-contact forms. Sexual violence occurs when a perpetrator commits sexual acts without a victim’s consent, or when a victim is unable to consent (e.g., due to age, illness) or refuse (e.g., due to physical violence or threats). According to the
National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS):1 • 1 in 5 women and nearly 1 in 59 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, defined as penetrating a victim by use of force or through alcohol/drug facilitation; • Approximately 1 in 15 men (6.7%) reported that they...