Sexual Violence and Rape Prevention

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence (SV) is when someone engages in any form of sexual activity with another person without their consent. Consent is also known as permission. Consent must be freely given without pressure or fear.

• Anyone can experience sexual violence, but it happens most often to girls and women.
• The person who causes harm is usually, but not always, a man and often someone the victim already knows — like a friend, coworker, neighbor or family member.

Types of sexual violence

• Sexual harassment
• Threats or intimidation
• Spying on someone in private spaces
• Taking nude photos without permission
• Unwanted touching
• Rape

Sexual violence in North Carolina

Data and Reports

• NC Emergency Department Visit Trends for Sexual Violence, 2019-2023 (PDF) - data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Annual Survey
• National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Data - Latest data on prevalence of IPV, SV and stalking in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program

The Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) program, through the CDC, helps stop sexual violence before it happens. This is called primary prevention.

RPE works by:

• Creating local and state policies that promote safety
• Teaching people how to recognize and prevent sexual violence
• Offering training and education to children, teens and adults
• Helping communities protect people from sexual violence

More information: CDC's RPE Program

What’s Happening in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the RPE program supports:

• Eight local agencies that run education and prevention programs in their communities
• The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA), which:
  • Trains professionals and volunteers
  • Helps local rape crisis centers
  • Builds tools and resources to stop violence
  • Runs a library and website with helpful information
• The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation, which:
  • Increases family-friendly workplace policies
  • Engages and educates local community leaders who work to increase supports for local businesses