General Law Hot Topics

Sexual Assault the Disturbing Reality

We might be tempted to believe that sexual assault is something that happens primarily on college campuses or around desolate bus stops or remote parking lots in the middle of the night. But contrary to popular belief, sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone at anytime. Unfortunately the stigma, guilt, and shame associated with sexual assault crimes and the misunderstanding of sexual assault laws still keep more than half of all Americans from reporting sexual assault to the proper authorities. Relationships between victim and assailant also play a part in this type of crime. More often than not the victim knows the assailant to some degree.

Have you or someone you know been the victim of sexual assault? Contact a lawyer who understands the sexual assault laws in your area right now!

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is the victim of sexual assault. One in six American women are victims of sexual assault and one in 33 men. In a recent study, there was an average of 200,780 annual victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. About 80% of rape victims are under age 30, and 44% are under age 18.

Statistics on the average annual 200,780 victims of sexual assault:

• Males are the least likely to report a sexual assault, though it is estimated they make up 10% of all victims.
• Young females are four times more likely than any other group to be a victim of sexual assault.
• 64,080 were victims of completed rape.
• 51,500 were victims of attempted rape.
• 85,210 were victims of sexual assault.

Because of the methodology of the National Crime Victimization Survey, these figures do not include victims 12 or younger. While there are no reliable annual surveys of sexual assault on children, the Justice Department has estimated that one out of every six victims is under age 12.

If you have been the victim of sexual abuse you need to seek professional counsel on sexual abuse laws as soon as possible. You need to know what your rights and procedures are under sexual abuse laws to bring the assailant to justice and protect yourself from further sexual assault and victimization. Unfortunately the hope that it will never happen again is not a deterrent to sexual predators. You need to do your part to stop this type of insidious crime from hop-scotching about your community.
 
Have you or someone you know been the victim of sexual assault? Contact a lawyer who understands the sexual assault laws in your area right now!

Article written by Juan Carlos Villamil contributing staff writer for SWI Digital, Inc.