Take Action Against Abuse

Though overall rates of violence against women have decreased since 1993, young women ages 16 to 24 still experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault,[i]and people ages 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking. [ii]

Dating Violence

• 1 in 10 teens have been physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. [iii]
• Women age 20 to 24 experience the highest rates of dating and domestic violence. [iv]
• 22% of college women have been victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or threats of physical violence. [v]

Sexual Assault

• Over 11% of high school girls report having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse. [vi]
• 19% of women reported experiencing completed or attempted sexual assault since entering college.
• 84% of the college women who reported a sexual assault experienced the incident during their freshman or sophomore years.
• 85% of victims were assaulted by someone they knew, usually a fellow student. [vii]

How To Take Action

• Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center
• Start an anti-violence project at your school or community center
• Talk to your friends and family members about your commitment to ending dating violence and sexual assault
•  Be a role model for healthy relationships
• Post your support for anti-violence work on social networking sites