Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a heinous crime that affects over 100,000 people in the United States each year.

Often, victims of sexual assault face lingering consequences, including physical injury, psychological trauma, and long-term effects on their mental health.

Just in 2021 alone, it was shown that about “282,043 women were raped or sexually assaulted while the corresponding number for men was 42,454” (US Bureau of Justice Statistics – 1, 2023). The reasons for these high levels of sexual assault in the United States are numerous and complex. Some of the contributing factors include cultural attitudes that minimize sexual violence, gender inequality, and societal norms that reinforce harmful behavior.

Additionally, sexual assaults can be perpetrated by practically anyone that victims may or may not know, including strangers, romantic partners, friends, and family members. “In 2021, it was found that about 112,302 women and 15,190 men in the United States were raped or sexually assaulted by random strangers they did not know. In comparison, about 71,548 women and 26,108 men were raped or sexually assaulted by well-known or casual acquaintances that they did know” (US Bureau of Justice Statistics – 2, 2023).

If you are a victim of such a heinous act and are seeking assistance and support in coping with it, it’s advisable to seek help from a healthcare professional or consider talking to your local medical practitioner or an HR department at your place of employment for further help. Not sure who else to reach out to? We can help too! At Healing Road Counseling, we are trained, and specialized, in counseling victims of sexual assault crimes.

To connect with us, call us at 215-688-5116, or email us at info@HealingRoadCounseling.com for a free consultation where we will be able to help connect you to a healthcare professional who will be trained, and specialized, in handling matters such as sexual assault crimes. Just put “Free Consultation” in the subject line of the email, and we will follow up with you to schedule a date and time to speak further. Take the first step towards your recovery today.

References

US Bureau of Justice Statistics – 1. (March 7, 2023). Number of rape or sexual assault victims in the United States per year from 2000 to 2021, by gender [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://www-statista-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/statistics/642458/rape-and-sexual-assault-victims-in-the-us-by-gender/

US Bureau of Justice Statistics – 2. (March 7, 2023). Number of forcible rape and sexual assault victims in the United States in 2021, by victim/offender relationship [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://www-statista-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/statistics/251927/usa-reported-forcible-rape-cases-by-victim-offender-relationship/