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Publication Date

5-1-2023

Keywords

underreporting, sexual assault cases, women, United States

Volume

2023

Abstract

Sexual assault is a highly prevalent yet rarely addressed issue within the United States. It is considered the most underreported and dismissed crime. There are a plethora of variables contributing to the underreporting and dismissal of sexual assault cases. The most prevalent factor appears to be the various understandings of sexual assault. The United States has no standard definition of rape or consent due to rape myths, victim blaming, disproportionately high perceptions of baseless allegations, and high-profile cases that are unrepresentative of the more common details of sexual assault. Other major contributing factors include knowing the perpetrator, victims’ pre-existing and post-assault mental health problems, inefficiencies in the court process, and lack of faith in the justice system. The underreporting and dismissal of sexual assault cases lead to a lack of resources for victims, perpetrators, and communities; victims feeling guilt and worry about the perpetrator roaming free; and a greater risk of repeated crime. The largest organization working to combat sexual assault and to support survivors is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), located in Washington, DC. RAINN runs a hotline to aid victims of sexual abuse and their families, educational and awareness programs, and a platform for survivors to share their stories.

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