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Shocking Statements & Stats
"Yeah, we had sex.
I had to show him that I love him."
Maria, 16 |
When it comes to sexual violence, our kids are confused and wise beyond their years all at once. From the age of 16 to 19, they are at the highest risk of victimization. Yet they often don't recognize the risk factors, violent behaviors and sources for help.
We gathered a group of Pennsylvania teenagers from city, suburban and rural schools and asked them about sexual violence
– about their actions, beliefs and support systems.
Here are their raw, unedited comments (only their names have been changed).
"Some girls dress provocatively because they want attention from guys."
Alex, 16 |
"If you're weak enough to let someone talk you into having sex, that's
your problem."
Kamala, 15 |
"Some older guys go after younger girls because they think they can get more out
of them."
Jamal, 17 |
"If a girl is drinking underage and she's raped, it's her fault."
Chris, 14 |
"If girls take offense to sexual harassment, they look like a prude."
Kelly, 18 |
"I don't see a problem with age difference. I've been with older guys before, like when I was 15 and he was 23."
Amanda, 17 |
"I know someone who didn't report a rape because her parents would freak out."
Alison, 17 |
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It is estimated that 70% of all rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
Twenty percent of 10 to 17 year olds receive unwanted sexual solicitations while they are using the Internet.
Teens 16 to 19 are 3 1/2 times more likely to be victims of rape than the general population.
One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted by age 18. |
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Stats
It is estimated that 70% of all rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
Twenty percent of 10 to 17 year olds receive unwanted sexual solicitations while they are using the Internet.
Teens 16 to 19 are 3 1/2 times more likely to be victims of rape than the general population.
One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted by age 18. |
Sexual violence violates a person's trust and feeling of safety. It occurs anytime a person is forced, coerced and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity.
The continuum of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure and voyeurism. |
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