A consistent definition of sexual violence helps us understand and prevent it. It help us learn about who it affects and how, and the conditions that put people at risk. Find CDC’s definition here.
Ongoing research is giving us a better understanding of who is affected by sexual violence and how and why it occurs. Preventing sexual violence before it happens is possible.
Sexual violence is a significant public health concern. It has harmful and lasting physical, mental health, and economic consequences for victims, families, and communities. Find out more here.
CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) offers valuable data to help communities stop intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking before it starts. Learn more through this fact sheet which provides an overview.