Data Sources
Sexual Violence
Citation: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/
Overview
Sexual violence (SV) is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. Consent means granting permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. SV affects every community and people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages. Anyone can commit or experience SV, but women are at greater risk of experiencing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 50% (1 in 2) of women have experienced SV. Almost 33% (1 in 3) of men have experienced SV. Almost 33% (1 in 3) of women survivors of sexual violence (SV) face health challenges, including depression, post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbances, and other related conditions. The impact of SV extends beyond the survivor, deeply affecting families and communities.
Sexual violence (SV) is harm or threats to harm someone based on their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It may include physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or emotional abuse. GBV can happen to anyone, but women and girls are most at risk.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that survivors of GBV are at greater risk of experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance misuse disorders, and suicide attempts. The effects of GBV extend beyond the survivor. GBV also impacts families and communities.
The data included here reflect visits to Delaware emergency departments made by victims of sexual violence. It is important to note that not all victims seek care following an incident of violence. Additional data on the incidence of sexual violence in Delaware will be added to this site in the future. Other sources that include Delaware specific data are the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Photo credit:Joice Kelly
Key Data & Reports
Sexual Violence in Delaware
Data are current as of 1/1/2023
Most recent dashboard update: 12/10/2024
Sexual Violence
The effects of sexual violence can be life-changing. RAINN.org describes the impact sexual violence can have on survivors. Survivors of sexual violence may experience depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and substance use, among other effects.
According to a 2023 report published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 55,000 sexual assault survivors visited an emergency department in 2023. About 21% of sexual assault survivors seek medical attention after an assault.
Understanding what contributes to SV is a major part of preventing it. There are many ways to address SV in Delaware. Educating people on what SV and consent are, engaging men and boys as allies against SV, and creating safe, protective environments for everyone. These ideas address several factors that influence sexual violence.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate-partner violence (IPV) is abuse or neglect that occurs in a romantic relationship. Intimate partner refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can include physical, psychological, financial, emotional, or sexual abuse. IPV survivors may develop various chronic health conditions, like heart or digestive issues. IPV can affect anyone. The Hotline.org finds that women aged 18-34 are at greater risk of being killed by a current or former male intimate partner. An average of 24 people every minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S. IPV is the leading cause of homicide death for women.
Preventing IPV requires understanding the factors that put people at risk of it. There are many ways to address intimate-partner violence. Teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, creating protective environments, and strengthening economic support for families can positively address intimate-partner violence.
About the data
Additional Information
Sexual Violence in Delaware
Resources
Sexual Violence Prevention (Office of Women's Health)
Cases of sexual violence (including intimate partner violence) identified in Delaware's surveillance data using definitions developed by the CDC.
National resource
National resource
National resource
National resource
Privacy
In releasing this information, Delaware aims to provide information that can be helpful to local communities as they work to improve public health. However, the protection of the confidentiality of our citizens is of paramount importance. To that end, counts of less than 11 are not presented.
An outside expert has reviewed the platform to ensure it complies with the HIPAA privacy rule (45 CFR 164.§514(b)).