By: Gokul Menon January, 23, 2020
“The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey” undertaken by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reveals some chilling facts. It states that most victims of rape in the U.S. knew their perpetrators and that more than 1 in 3 women have been victims of sexual abuse during their lifetime. Among men, 1 in 4 have been victims of sexual abuse during their lifetime.
The aftermath of sexual violence goes far beyond the physical. It can lead to a lifetime of psychological trauma and can have extreme effects such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma resulting from sexual violence can affect the victim’s life in more than one way. It is essential to note that a system of hierarchy (gender, race, and class) is what enables this violence.