Printer
TextSexual Violence
Sexual violence is not simply an individual's issue, but a human rights issue. Almost 25% of women experience sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in her life and as many as one-third of girls are forced into their first sexual experience (WHO World Report on Violence and Health, 2002).
According to the World Health Organization, sexual violence encompasses the following:
- Rape within marriage, in dating relationships, and by strangers
- Systematic rape during armed conflict
- Unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment, including demanding sex in return for favors
- Forced marriage or cohabitation, including the marriage of children
- Forced abortion
- Denial of the right to use contraception or to adopt other measures to protect against sexually transmitted diseases
- Violent acts against the sexual integrity of women, including female genital mutilation and obligatory inspections for virginity
- Forced prostitution and trafficking of people for the purpose of sexual exploitation
For assistance please call:
Support Groups for Women and Men
- Coping Skills for Trauma Survivors support group for women
- Drop-in men's support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
- Call Heather McMillen at 703-704-6729 for more information
24-Hour Hotline / Helpline:
703-360-7273
TTY 703-435-1235
Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention
and Treatment (ADAPT)
703-968-4052
24 Hours: 703-471-6096
TTY 703-968-4050 (leave a message)
ADAPT groups offered in Reston, Chantilly, Fairfax, and Alexandria.
Artemis House - A Shelter for Victims
of Domestic Violence
24-Hour: 703-435-4940
TTY 703-435-1235
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