Sexual Violence

Lookbook Vol. 2

p. 68

DEFINITION

The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence classified as completed forced penetration, averaged from 2010-2012 data.113

18.7 percent

14.4 percent

OKLAHOMA Data Highlight:

NATIONAL AVERAGE While Oklahoma ranks lower than the national average for reported cases of overall sexual violence (all experience types leading up to forced penetration), it ranks highest in the nation 1 (of 51) for completed or attempted forced penetration. This might indicate low awareness among Oklahomans in the range of behaviors that are considered sexually violent that lead to forced penetration. 113

Why We Care:

Compared to all other women, those who experience sexual violence are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, sleep disorder and suicide, among other health issues. 114 society struggles to accept the evidence-based definitions of sexual violence, women often internalize experiences of sexual violence as a personal failing. Data recorded nationally for incidence of sexual violence was last conducted broadly in 2010-2012, which is less than ideal for active evaluation, and did not include adequate data on Indigenous, disabled, low-income, or LGBTQ+ populations. 113,122 Through supplemental data collection efforts, all of these excluded groups reported a higher than average incidence of Sexual Violence. 83 These data reported that 47 percent of transgender people report being sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Transgender people of color report even higher rates, with 67 percent of transgender indigenous people reporting being sexually assaulted in their lifetime.122

What We Can Do:

- Advocate for more frequent, more inclusive data collection that includes all forms of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence - Increase funding for Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence programs across the state - Work to improve and increase wellness and healthy relationships curriculum for students - Work with law enforcement to ensure that cases of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence are being completed correctly Partner Violence are being completed correctly