1 in every 6. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), that is the amount of U.S. women who have experienced attempted or completed rape throughout their lifetime. Additionally, 1 in 33 men have fallen victim to attempted or completed rape.
Sexual assault differs from harassment or abuse. Sexual harassment involves unwanted behavior that causes mental or emotional harm, while assault is a nonconsensual act or contact. This includes rape, unwanted touching or coerced sexual activity. Coercion can involve manipulation, pressure or situations where one party cannot consent. Sexual assault is far more common than many realize, especially among young people.
“Nearly every minute, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted,” according to RAINN. “Every nine minutes, that someone is a child.”
Awareness is vital as statistics continue to rise. It reduces stigma, strengthens support for survivors and helps society understand consent and the seriousness of the issue. With greater awareness, communities can take more active steps to prevent assault and reduce the number of incidents.
The stigma surrounding sexual assault makes healing difficult. Survivors often face victim-blaming or disbelief, and many avoid discussing the topic because it is uncomfortable. These attitudes silence victims and prevent society from recognizing the scope of the issue. Educating the public about the widespread impact of sexual trauma can help communities create safer, more supportive environments with resources that encourage recovery.
Sexual assault awareness is not widely taught in schools, though many argue it should be. Teenagers are young adults who are beginning to form relationships and become sexually active. School psychologist Brooke Butcher believes awareness is essential to prepare students for life and ensure they are ready for their next steps.
“[Students] are more than likely experiencing it, whether they have seen it, it’s happened to them or it’s happened to a friend,” Butcher said. “[They are] not ignorant to what happens in the news. If we don’t talk about it, there is just more stigma.”
Butcher emphasized the importance of learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships early, especially for students who may not have seen a healthy model at home. Schools, she believes, can play a major role in teaching students what to look out for. Understanding warning signs is crucial, and red flags should be taken seriously.
Shame and fear can make it difficult for victims to speak out. Butcher highlighted the importance of creating a safe, welcoming school environment that promotes recovery and support.
“I feel like a lot of [the process of creating a supportive environment] starts before events actually happen,” Butcher said. “We must let potential victims, or just the general student body, know beforehand that you are going to be believed.”
Schools can support students by providing accessible resources, such as links to helpful websites, hotline numbers and staff members who are open to conversation. Kaneland High School has social workers, psychologists and counselors available to help all students. They operate under confidentiality laws, meaning information stays private unless a student is harming themselves or someone else.
While psychological resources are crucial, reporting incidents is also important. Reporting can lead to justice, prevent future harm and empower survivors.
According to the Illinois State Police Directive, “The Illinois State Police (ISP) will treat sexual assault and abuse reports as criminal conduct.”
This means the ISP takes reports seriously and responds quickly, aiming to protect victims from further harm and connect them with support. Reporting in a timely manner increases the likelihood of available evidence and helps prevent perpetrators from harming others.
Sexual assault is a complex and traumatic experience, leaving victims to navigate reporting, psychological aftermath and the challenge of finding their voice. It is far more common than many realize, and experts argue that increased education could help prevent it. Public awareness benefits both survivors and the broader community.
“[Sexual assault] is real, and just as easily as it could happen to somebody else, it could happen to you,” Butcher said. “Educate yourself, have an open mind and know what supports are out there. We will believe you.”
