Definitions and Statistics

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Sexual Assault

Non-consensual sexual contact and/or penetration by physical force, threat of bodily harm, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent by virtue of a power difference, mental illness, mental disabilities, intoxication or being under the age of consent. (In NH the age of consent is 16 years.)

Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome requests for sexual favors, advances, and/or verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature commonly executed in a work or school setting.

Stalking

A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for his/her personal safety or the safety of a member of that person's immediate family.

Rape

Any act of non-consensual penetration that is forced upon a person. Penetration may be vaginal, anal, or oral and may be by a body part or an object. Rape is a crime that does not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, health status, and/or gender identity/expression.

Consent

"Consent is more than simply saying, 'Yes.' Consent is when the people involved want and freely choose whatever the contact is. Being able to freely choose means without pressure, without threat, without manipulation, without force. If a person says, 'yes' under pressure, they aren't consenting at all." - Judy Cyprian

Some Statistics about Sexual Assault

1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12.
About 1 in 7 women have experienced rape or attempted rape by a spouse.
85% of abusers and perpetrators are known to the victim such as a parent, relative, or friend.
93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know the perpetrator.
1.4 million Americans are stalked in their lifetime.

View studies about violence in NH: against women or against men.

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