1 In 3 Women Are Victims Of Rape Or Attempted Rape

Tue, December 13, 2011

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KMUW / Carla Eckels

The Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center says one in three women are victimized by rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. KMUW’s Carla Eckels reports the center presented at a heath and wellness event Friday in hopes of educating women about sexual violence.

Tisha Whitehead, coordinator of program services for the center says sexual assault is a taboo topic that’s not discussed and she says quite often a victim will blame themselves for what took place.

“So anytime we have the chance to go out and spread awareness and tell people that it’s not your fault if you’ve ever been sexually assaulted, and give them any information that we can, it’s gonna help with people understanding the issue,” says Whitehead.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the perpetrator is a stranger. Whitehead says 90 percent of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows whether it be a family member a spouse, a partner or friend.

The center’s services include free and confidential counseling, medical and court advocates,and therapeutic services for children.