Understanding the problem of sexual violence in Virginia

A Definition:

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance uses the following definition of sexual violence

Conduct of a sexual nature which is a non-consensual, and is accomplished through threat, coercion, exploitation, deceit, force, physical or mental incapacitation, and/or power of authority…

• Tactics: We refer to behaviors---such as the use of threats, deceit, exploitation, force, and/or one’s societal position/power—that are used to gain control over others or create an imbalance of power between people as “tactics”. The repeated use of power and control tactics often represents a sense of entitlement—but any time such tactics are used, they are coercive and incompatible with consent. These tactics can be physical, emotional, or a combination of all the above.

• Entitlement: An attitude or set of beliefs that drives sexually aggressive behavior. These specific attitudes and beliefs are part of a general sense of entitlement, usually learned from and reinforced by the larger culture and/or power of authority. Entitlement is different from having a strong desire or wish; entitlement puts an individual’s or sometimes a specific group’s wants and needs above others, potentially at the expense of the rights and boundaries of others. Action and/or choices motivated by entitlement may be overt and easily recognized or subtle and difficult to detect.

• Effect: To distinguish sexual violence from other kinds of sexual behavior, look at how the person who is the target of the behavior is affected by the behavior. When a person is the target of sexually aggressive behavior, they may or may not call what happened “rape” but they often do feel violated. Sexually violent behavior makes the victim feel vulnerable, demeaned, afraid, confused, and/or a combination of these and other feelings (victim responses can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the violent act). In the short-term and long-term, sexual violence can profoundly disrupt a person’s life.

• Listing of Sexual Assault Crisis Centers in
  Virginia (Word Document)
• Sexual Violence Statistics (Word Document)
• Recommendations for the Faith Community In Supporting Someone Who Has Been Sexually Violated (Word Document)
• Communities of Faith: We Can Make a
  Difference (Word Document)

Facts about Domestic Violence

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 men has been physically assaulted and/or raped by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or date. Women sustain injury more frequently in these assaults. (National Violence Against Women Survey, 1998)
   
• Every 5 days in 2001, a Virginian was killed by her or his intimate partner. (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 2003). Women are at highest risk when they try to leave an abusive relationship.
   
• More than 40,000 domestic and sexual violence victims called hotlines in Virginia in 2002. Here are some statistics about victims who received services from Domestic Violence Programs in 2002:196% of adult victims were women, mostly between the ages of 18 and 44. They came from all economic and racial backgrounds.13 out of 4 sought help from family or friends before contacting a domestic violence program. Less than half called the police for help.
   
• More than half of the adults reported that physical resistance to violence was not helpful. Fighting back often increased or prolonged the violence.158% of adults who were abused by their partners had been threatened with homicide or suicide.
   
• More than a third were threatened with a firearm or had one used against them.
   
• The number one concern of adult victims was the impact of violence on their children. Other top concerns included housing, safety, and child custody.
   
• More than half of the children who received services had witnessed an act of violence, usually in the home.
   
• More than 1 out of 3 children were threatened with physical harm by the perpetrator. 1 out of 4 were physically injured.

• Provide free, confidential, 24-hour hotlines and support for domestic violence victims and their children

• Offer crisis intervention and safety planning

• Provide a safe place where victims can stay with their children and consider their options

• Offer support groups, legal advocacy, individual counseling, accompaniment to the hospital, and other services in addition to shelter

• Help victims make plans to be as safe as possible whether they continue or leave their relationships

• Provide services to children who have witnessed or experienced abuse

• Network with community resources and can make referrals for services such as legal aid, social services, housing, etc

• Will make referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs for individuals who want help to stop being abusive

• Educate the community about services. Seek to raise public awareness of the problem and promote social change to end domestic violence