Wisconsin Sexual
Violence Prevention Program
In
Wisconsin in 2004:
-
There
were 5,618 reported
sexual assaults.
-
90%
of the assailants knew their victims
-
20%
of those who knew their victims were relatives
-
Over 70% of
victims were under the age of 15
-
64%
of assailants were over the age of 18
Source:
Wisconsin
Office of Justice Assistance, 2004 Crime Statistics Report
What is Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault?
Sexual violence can be thought of as a range of
verbal and/or physical acts that break a person's trust and safety and
are sexual in nature. Behaviors range from sexual harassment to unwanted
fondling to forced penetration. All are done without consent. (Wisconsin
Statistics, exit DHFS)
To learn more about Sexual Violence Prevention, visit these
pages:
Sexual
Assault Awareness Month
Governor
Doyle has issued a proclamation declaring April 2008 as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month in Wisconsin, recognizing that sexual assault “continues
at an unacceptable rate” in Wisconsin,
and calling for citizens to “redouble our efforts and commitment to
creating an ever more just society.”
The
theme for Wisconsin for 2008 is to "Adjust Your
Reaction". Sexual harassment and violence thrive on silence so the first
and best step to be taken to help end sexual violence is to not remain
silent. Move past ignoring behaviors and comments that are
disrespectful Speak up and challenge the acceptance of the attitudes
expressed, confront behaviors that support sexual violence, advocate for
victims and for change in the community.
Have
ongoing talks or discussions with kids you know, family, friends, and
co-workers, about respect and equality in relationships. Speak up when
someone makes a degrading comment. Believe and support victims of sexual
assault.
Another
powerful way to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2008 is by becoming
aware of and discarding all of the old myths surrounding sexual assault,
for example: that they are rare occurrences; that they are committed
primarily in dark alleys by strangers; that women frequently falsely
accuse men of rape; and, that victims are often to blame by acting or
dressing inappropriately. Facts do not confirm these common falsehoods.
For
more information on Wisconsin-specific activities, and to obtain the 2008
SAAM Organizing Packet, contact the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual
Assault, 608-257-1516, www.wcasa.org.
For more information contact:
Susan LaFlash
Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator
Division of Public Health
P.O. Box 2659
Madison, WI 53701-2659
Telephone: (608) 266-7457
Fax: (608) 266-8925
For more information on injury prevention, follow these links:
Last Revised: April 10, 2008 |
