Understanding the Causes of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel upset, scared or ashamed. It can happen to people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, sexualities and faiths. The majority of victims and survivors of sexual violence are women and girls. Eight out of 10 perpetrators are someone known to the victim, such as a partner or acquaintance. The most common reaction for a survivor of sexual violence is fear. They may experience fear responses to things that remind them of the abuse, such as sights, sounds, smells or thoughts. They can also avoid places, situations or people.

Survivors are often afraid to tell anyone about the assault. They might feel that it was their fault or that they should have been able to prevent the assault. Other feelings that survivors may have are confusion, anxiety, depression or flashbacks. Survivors may also have problems with body image, self-esteem and relationships. Survivors can be angry, resentful and sometimes suicidal. Many survivors find it helpful to talk about their experience with a health professional or in a support group.

Research suggests that many women and girls who are abused as children suffer long term consequences including mental illness, social problems and sexual dysfunction. They are more likely to experience domestic violence, gang rape or other forms of violence later in life, especially if they have been subjected to repeated episodes of sexual assault. The impact of sexual violence is even more devastating for a girl who is raped as a teenager.

Sexual violence is complex and it can affect the whole family and community. Some of the causes of sexual violence are biological, based on evolutionary changes and adaptations for successful reproduction. Other causes are social, cultural and psychological. There is a need to understand the complex causes of sexual violence in order to develop strategies for prevention.

One of the most important issues for society is to understand that sexual violence is a complex issue and that everyone has a role to play in prevention. People of all ages can make a difference by promoting safe behaviors and healthy relationships and limiting access to alcohol and drugs. They can challenge images of sexual violence in advertising and pornography and by not blaming victims. They can take steps to protect themselves from bullying and cyber-bullying and they can call for respectful schools and workplaces.

The ICRC believes that sexual violence is a worldwide problem that needs a global response. We have a responsibility to address both the immediate and long-term effects of sexual violence through the provision of medical services, assistance, advocacy and awareness-raising. We will work with all stakeholders, in particular governments and civil society, to ensure that women, girls, boys and men, are able to live free from sexual violence. We will continue to advocate for a universal legal framework that will ensure the rights of all persons to safety, dignity and freedom from violence. We will support communities in developing and implementing effective prevention strategies and work with victims to recover from the trauma of sexual violence.