Rape Victims Prone to Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
Rape is a horrible crime. And it effects the victims for the rest of their lives. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are common conditions among rape victims.
Numerous rape victims have suicidal thoughts. Many die by suicide.
Sexual assaults are, unfortunately, extremely common.
In the U.S., a sexual assault occurs every two minutes.
Here are some additional disquieting statistics about rape:
17% of American women have been the victim of sexual assault at some point in their lives.
In 2002, there were 247,730 sexual assaults -- Approximately 87,000 were victims of completed rape; 70,000 were victims of attempted rape; and 91,000 were victims of sexual assault. (Data is from the National Crime Victimization Survey and does not include data on victims 12 and younger.)
About 44% or rape victims are under the age of 18.
15% of rape victims are under the age of 12.
93% of the rape victims age 18 and under knew the rapist. Of these rapists, 34.2% were family members and 58.7% were acquaintances.
In 2001, it was estimated that only 39% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to the police.
66% of rape victims know their assailant.
40% of the rapes occur in the victim's home.
20% of the rapes occur in the home of a friend or acquaintance.
10% of the rapes occur outdoors.
8% of the rapes occur in parking structures.
Rape has long-term emotional consequences that can lead to suicide.
It is quite common for rape victims to suffer from depression. And untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
About 33% of rape victims have suicidal thought.
About 13% of rape victims will attempt suicide.
Suicide attempts may occur years after the rape.
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If you have been raped, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
It does not matter whether the rape happened recently or long ago, please call. People
want to help you.
And remember that all rapists are cowards, criminals, and losers and belong in prison.
There never is an excuse for rape, and it is always a very serious crime.
Always call the police immediately if you ever are raped.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
