Sexual Violence Prevention

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.

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

Prevention programs and services

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

What You Can Do

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Learn how you can decrease sexual violence.

Childhood Sexual Abuse

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One in 10 children experience sexual abuse.

Data

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

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

Glossary

 
Last revised March 5, 2026