Sexual violence (SV) includes a wide range of behaviors such as acts that are non-consensual, harassment, coercion, and trafficking which impact the physical and psychological health and well-being of victims.
SV often occurs early in life but has life-long physical and mental impacts. Exposure to SV is well documented to increase the likelihood of suffering from chronic illnesses, suicidal or depressive thoughts and actions, substance use, eating disorders, high-risk behaviors and contracting sexually transmitted infections. SV also creates an economic burden due in large part to loss of productivity and increased medical costs.
Learn more about CDC's Rape Prevention and Education Program here