2022 Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics
Sexual assault and rape are the most traumatic crimes for victims. Survivors can experience psychological, physical and emotional repercussions that stick with them for a very long time. The 2022 rape and sexual assault statistics show that this crime is still prevalent and may require the victim to take criminal and legal action.
Crimes in this category can include an assortment of acts including nonconsensual sex between adults, child sex crimes and unwelcome sexual acts against a person.
If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault or rape, the immediate aftermath can be frightening and confusing. Once you’ve reported the crime and gotten medical attention, it’s hard to know what to do next. As soon as you feel safe, that’s the time to reach out to an experienced lawyer for additional support.
Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics
Across the United States, about 43.6 percent of women and 24.8 percent of men have experienced some form of sexual violence. States with the highest rape rates include Alaska, Arkansas, South Dakota, Michigan and Nevada.
In Georgia, 27 out of every 100,000 women report a rape. This is on the low end as compared to other states, although with such a large population it still accounts for thousands of reported cases each year. Unfortunately, rape and sexual assaults are not always reported, and victims go on to suffer the repercussions alone, without financial, mental or physical support.
Sexual assault laws in Georgia
There are two different categories when it comes to sexual assault crimes in Georgia. The first involves sexual contact between a minor and someone who has disciplinary or supervisory authority over them. Actual crimes consist of more than just physical contact, and can include:
- Unwanted sexual touching, fondling or language
- Unwanted penetration or oral sex
- Revealing oneself to others
- Taking inappropriate photos of children for distribution or personal use
- Exposing children to sexually explicit images or pornography
Sexual battery, the other criminal category, refers to any physical contact with intimate parts of another person without consent. This includes the primary genital area, but also breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, groin and anus.
If you’ve been a victim of any of these situations, it’s important to report the crime to the police and seek medical and psychological assistance immediately.
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Seeking damages for sexual assault
If you’re a victim of a rape crime or sexual assault, it’s well within your rights to seek financial compensation that goes beyond the medical costs associated with the crime. You can also see compensation for ongoing physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish and lost wages.
The process of arguing for, and collecting this compensation though happens through a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal case. It may involve the individual(s) who committed the crime, but can also include anyone else found negligent in relation to the crime.
Once you report the crime to the authorities, police and state prosecutors handle criminal charges. There’s no financial compensation tied to criminal prosecution; therefore pursuing a civil case may be the only way to obtain the compensation allowed by law.
The right legal team will show you what your options are and potentially broaden the scope of who’s liable for what happened. It may not just be the perpetrator(s) who committed the actual crime and may, in fact, be the property owner where the crime took place.
Sexual assault and negligence
Those who own a property or premises have a legal responsibility to protect people on their property from foreseeable violent acts. Should you fall victim to a sexual assault at a hotel or apartment complex for example, where there is already a history of criminal activity, you may also be able to collect damages related to negligence.
Negligence occurs when a property owner knows their property is at high risk, yet does nothing to deter criminal behavior by installing proper security equipment. Any type of bodily harm that occurs on someone else’s property, where proper security measures aren’t taken, and there is a history of crime, can lead to a premises liability lawsuit.
Without the help of an experienced sexual assault lawyer though, it’s hard to determine if you have a solid negligence case in addition to the criminal case for the sexual assault. Consulting with the right attorney will ensure you hold all parties accountable.
Properties where negligence can lead to a premises liability lawsuit
Any property owner can be held accountable for crimes committed while you’re on their property if the conditions are right. Some common places where this may occur include:
- Hotels
- Apartment buildings
- Shopping centers
- Private parking lots
- Night clubs
- Private event spaces
Where to find the right lawyer in Georgia after sexual assault
When you’re ready to reach out for legal help in your sexual assault or rape case, it’s important you find a lawyer who makes you feel safe. You want someone who will listen to your story and fully have your back throughout the entire legal process. The legal team you pick should also understand Georgia sexual assault law and know exactly how to fight for your rights.
At The Dixon Firm, our legal team has experienced sexual assault attorneys. Together, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve from all the liable parties involved in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.