Sexual Violence Prevention

April is Sexual Violence Prevention Month

This is a time to call attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread, but actions big and small can help prevent it.

• Explore and share resources from our pages around preventing sexual violence, victim blaming, and supporting survivors. Learn about consent, P-03074C (PDF) developed by Teens at PATCH (Providers and Teens Communicating for Health).
• Review a sexual health education curriculum for educators recommended by the Adolescent Health team.
• Dress for Demin Day, held Wednesday, April 29 to raise awareness about sexual violence and to combat victim-blaming. Participants wear denim to support survivors. Denim was chosen to protest an Italian Supreme Court ruling that suggested tight jeans implied consent.
• Read Governor Tony Evers' proclamation, declaring April officially Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

Sexual violence and sexual assault

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.

• Read Wis. Stat. § 940.225 sexual assault on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
• Read Wis. Stat. § 940.32 stalking on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
• Read Wis. Stat. § 948.02–948.11 sexual assault of a child on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
• Read Wis. Stat. § 940.302 human trafficking on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.

Remember, sexual violence happens in every community. Victims are never to blame.

Prevention programs and services

Learn about programs that are helping stop sexual violence before it starts.

Explore the programs

What You Can Do

Learn how you can decrease sexual violence.

Discover actions you can take

Childhood Sexual Abuse

One in 10 children experience sexual abuse.

Learn about childhood sexual abuse

Data

Data is helping us understand sexual violence's impact at the national, state, and population level.

Find data sources

Contact us

Subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed on the latest news and opportunities related to sexual violence prevention by visiting the DHS Digital Updates web page.

Email us at dhsadhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

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