Every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, according to the Department of Justice. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center also found that approximately 1 in 5 women (20%) and 1 in 71 men (about 1.4%) in the U.S. experience rape during their lifetime, and report that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys have been sexually abused before the age of 18. These numbers show how widespread sexual violence is, yet people remain confused about what it is, its impact, or what to do about it. Let’s start with the term “sexual assault”.

Defining Sexual Assault

Sexual assault refers to any sexual act forced on someone without their clear, willing agreement, known as consent. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses many forms of sexual violation. Each state’s laws define and categorize sex crimes, such as sexual assault, differently. You can easily find detailed information on the RAINN State Law Database. 

For example, Illinois law covers sexual assault and sexual abuse with several statutes that apply to different scenarios. It also defines consent as a freely given agreement and confirms that things like silence, being intoxicated, or a person’s clothing choice are not consent. The law covers offenses that involve:

• Using force or threat of force in a sex act
• Rape (penetration, or being made to penetrate someone else, without consent)
  • meaning any contact between the sex organ or anus of one person and an object or the sex organ, mouth, or anus of another person
• Sexual touching or fondling
• Sharing or posting real or AI-generated sexual images without the consent of everyone involved, or that include a minor
• Exposing someone to sexual acts

When deciding how to charge a sex crime, states take into account a victim’s vulnerabilities or potential inability to give knowing consent (due to age, drugs, alcohol, disability, or consciousness). They may also consider the relationship and power dynamics between the offender and victim.

The Impacts of Sexual Assault

How Sexual Assault Impacts Survivors 

The effects of sexual assault can be devastating. Survivors often experience serious physical and mental harm. A study found that 1 in 10 female victims contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a result of the rape and that rape survivors had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with physical ailments, such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, activity limitations, and use of special equipment (e.g., wheelchair). They were also more than twice as likely to report their mental health as “poor” compared to women without a rape history.

Mental health challenges can affect relationships, school or work performance, and overall well-being. Survivors see high rates of post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame or self-blame. Some survivors turn to alcohol or drugs, while others may be isolated due to fears or flashbacks.

How Sexual Assault Impacts Communities

The impact of sexual violence reaches beyond survivors. It affects how people feel about daily life, how children grow up, and even our trust in society. 

After a local assault case makes headlines, people—often women—may feel less safe. A quiet anxiety can push them to change their routines, such as avoiding parks or events, or forgoing activities when no one can join them. Doubts from police, insensitive comments from peers, or harmful narratives from the media can retraumatize the victim and increase mistrust overall. Hearing these stories, others may lose faith in support systems and decide not to report their own experiences.

Sexual violence also strains families, child welfare, and education systems. Children who grow up around abuse—even if not directly harmed—often struggle in school or show emotional and behavioral challenges, increasing pressure on schools and social services.

The financial impact is also significant. Costs from medical care, counseling, lost work, and legal processes add up. The estimated lifetime cost of rape in 2014 was $122,461 per victim over their lifetime. One study in 2018 found that childhood sexual abuse alone costs the U.S. nearly $9.3 billion per year. These losses affect productivity and place a heavy burden on legal and public health systems.

Community Support Matters

Understanding these widespread effects reminds us that preventing and responding to sexual violence is a community responsibility. When we come together to shift attitudes and support survivors, we will reduce long-term harm to individuals and communities alike.

Supporting Survivors and Ending Sexual Harm

If you or someone you know needs help

If you’ve been assaulted or need to talk through something that happened, you are not alone. Reach out to Clove Alliance anytime through our 24-hour crisis hotline at 815.932.3322. All survivor supports are 100% free and confidential, including advocacy, counseling, and legal services. If you know someone who has been harmed, you can support them by offering a safe space and encouraging them to connect with local supports.

Help make a difference

Everyone has a part to play in ending sexual harm! There are many ways to get involved, from making sure survivors know you have their back, challenging harmful attitudes that underpin sexual violence, or donating to organizations dedicated to supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. 

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Resources for Survivors of Sexual Violence and Their Supporters

Clove Alliance 

• Serving survivors of sexual violence in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties in Illinois.
• Services include a 24-hour hotline (815.932.3322), advocacy, counseling, and legal services for those affected by sexual violence, and prevention and outreach for the greater community.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

• Serving survivors of sexual violence in the USA.
• 24-hour hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
• Online chat support is available.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

• Supports survivors of sexual violence in the USA and provides information to allies.