#5 Rape
What?
Key issues visualized by region
9th-12th graders that have ever been physically forced to have sexual intercourse without their consent.
Rape can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2021. [Data set]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
Sexual violence is when someone forces sexual acts on another person against their will. It includes things like sexual abuse, assault, and harassment, and it can hurt both physically and emotionally. Rape is one form of sexual violence.
Children who experience sexual violence are often targeted by someone they know, like a peer or someone in their family. It usually happens in places they’re familiar with, such as their home, neighborhood, or school.
Teenagers, especially girls, are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault than any other age group. Girls are over five times more likely than boys to be victims of sexual assault.
Sexual violence isn’t just about the act itself. It’s often linked to bigger issues like racism, classism, or discrimination against LGBTQ people. Children who face these kinds of discrimination are more likely to be victims of sexual violence.
Children who have been sexually assaulted can face serious problems like mental health issues, pregnancy, hurting themselves, substance use, or struggling in school. Many of them show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. This condition can carry over to adulthood.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
