The National Sexual Violence Resource Center wants communities to realize that sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages. The impacts of sexual violence affect individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

But prevention is possible. By working together, communities can change the conditions that contribute to sexual violence.

NSVRC defines sexual violence as any type of unwanted sexual contact. It may include words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. They note that consent is voluntary, mutual and can be withdrawn at any time. Someone might not consent because of fear, age, illness, disability and/or influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Those who sexually abuse can be acquaintances, family members, trusted individuals or strangers. Anyone can experience sexual violence including children, teens, adults and elders. An abuser may use force, threats, manipulation or coercion to commit sexual violence. All genders, ages, races, religions, incomes, abilities, professions, ethnicities and sexual orientations may be affected.

Forms of sexual violence include rape or sexual assault, child sexual assault and incest, sexual assault by a person’s spouse or partner, unwanted sexual contact or touching, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and trafficking, exposing one’s genitals or naked body to others without consent, masturbating in public, and watching someone in private acts without their knowledge or permission.

According to Black et al, 2011:
1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape in their lives;
1 in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape;
1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced sexual violence victimization other than rape at some point in their lifetime.
Victims often know the person who sexually assaulted them…a friend, classmate, neighbor, coworker or relative.  The abuser may use force, threats, manipulation or coercion to commit sexual violence. An absence of injuries to the victim does not indicate consent.

A 2013 study by Planty, Langton, Krebs, Berzofsky & Smiley-McDonald indicates…
3 of 4 adolescents (74percent) who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well.  One-fifth were committed by a family member.
In 2005-2010 55 percent of rape or sexual assault victimizations occurred at or near the victim’s home; another 12 percent occurred at or near the home of a friend, relative or acquaintance.

Victims are never at fault. It doesn’t matter what a person is wearing or how they are acting, victims are never to blame. Unfortunately, rape is often not reported or convicted. Survivors may come forward to face scrutiny or encounter barriers.

Help is available locally. The new Emergency Shelter and Outreach Center campus for domestic violence victims on Parker Street allows Beaman Home case managers and advocates to better serve all victims of abuse.

Hodson added, “Beaman Home staff is already working from the new Outreach Center offering classes, support groups and case management for Shelter and non-Shelter clients. Staff members Taia Paine and Brandace Myers have completed Sexual Assault Advocacy training presented by Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and are available to provide assistance for victims of sexual assault.”

The Beaman Home’s 24-Hour Crisis Number is (877) 725-9363.
An on-line supportive community and resource for those who have experienced sexual abuse (and those who care about them) is www.lastbattle.org. The site’s co-founder, Mary Ellen Mann, is a therapist, author, speaker, survivor, and friend of Beaman Home.

In addition to local Beaman Home advocates, those seeking help may phone (800) 656-4673 for crises situation assistance.  More information may also be found at www.nsvrc.org or at www.thebeamanhome.com.