Sexual Violence Prevention

Sexual violence happens in every community. Victims are never to blame.

Sexual violence impacts everyone, but disproportionately affects people in marginalized communities.

In Wisconsin:

  • Nearly one in five high school students (19.9%) reported that someone has forced them "to do sexual things they did not want to do." (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)
  • 43.4% of LGBT students have experienced sexual assault or coercion. (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

Nationally:

  • One in three women and one in six men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey)
  • 90% of victims know the person who assaulted them. (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
Adult person with hand in front of face with Stop Sexual Assault written on it.

What you can do

  • Support victims and survivors
  • Know and practice consent
  • Be an active bystander
  • Help shift harmful norms
  • Be aware of the language you use
  • Build connections and support organizations and events in your community that are working to end sexual violence

Looking for support?

You can find information on the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) website to connect with a service provider near you.

Sexual violence is a verbal and/or physical act that breaks a person's trust and safety and is sexual in nature. Behaviors range from sexual harassment to unwanted fondling to forced penetration. All are done without consent.

Sexual assault is defined in Wis. Stat. § 940.225 sexual assault; Wis. Stat. § 940.32 stalking; Wis. Stat. § 948.02–948.11 sexual assault of a child; Wis. Stat. § 940.302 human trafficking.

Go ahead, respect your relationships. We Dare You. Dare 2 Know

We have partnered with End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin to promote the Dare2Know Campaign. This campaign aims to promote healthy relationships and end teen dating violence. Learn more about the Dare2Know Campaign and get the facts about dating violence.

Contact us and stay in touch

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Email us at dhsadhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Division of Public Health
PO Box 2659
Madison, WI 53701-2659

Last revised July 19, 2024