Factsheet
- An estimated one out of every eight adult women living in Maryland has been forcibly raped one or more times during her lifetime. (Source: Rape in Maryland: A Report to the State,2003)
- This “One in Eight” figure is a conservative estimate that does not reflect the number of attempted rapes, alcohol or drug-facilitated rapes, incapacitation rapes or statutory rapes that have occurred in the State. Nor does it include male rape victims.
- Rape and sexual assault are the crimes least often reported to law enforcement, so the true prevalence of these crimes in Maryland is difficult to determine. It is generally accepted that between 70 and 90% of all rapes are never reported to authorities.
- Violent sexual crimes take an enormous personal and economic toll. As many as 80% of sexual assault survivors will experience one or more of the following: post-traumatic stress disorder, drug abuse and addiction, alcoholism, promiscuity, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
- Nationally, the total economic cost in medical and mental health care and lost wages resulting from these crimes is estimated at $2.1 billion per year (AMA,1995).
- Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence that stem from one person’s determination to humiliate or exercise power over another. Survivors of rape and sexual assault are not responsible for the assault.
- A statewide Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention media campaign is underway.The statewide media campaign has three goals: to increase awareness of the incidence of rape and sexual assault; to dispel myths and misperceptions about rape and sexual assault; and to publicize rape recovery services and resources available to survivors, since many are unaware of their existence.
- Rape recovery programs are located in each of the 24 jurisdictions throughout the State of Maryland. Survivors of sexual assault are encouraged to contact these resources. No matter how long it’s been since the assault, it’s never too late to begin to heal.
Common myths and misperceptions about rape and sexually violent crimes:
Myth 1: Most rapes are committed by strangers. In fact, research has shown nearly 90% of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim, including ex-husbands, boyfriends, other relatives, or acquaintances / dates.
Myth 2: The victim—rather than the assailant— is somehow to blame for the rape. This myth serves to reinforce feelings of embarrassment, shame, and/or guilt among rape survivors and discourages them from coming forward. No matter what the circumstances, if one person has sex with another, without consent, it is rape.
The following segments of the population are at risk since they may have been victimized in the past or because of their age: (Resource: National and Maryland incidence data)
- Females who have been raped—likely to be victimized more than once
- Females 19–24 years old—highest age segment at risk
- Females 16–18 years old—2nd highest age segment at risk
- Females 25–49 years old—3rd highest age segment at risk
- Males during adolescent years
As mentioned above, sexual assault victims are generally reluctant to come forward. The ordeal of interacting with the police and completing a hospital exam were perceived as two of the major barriers to reporting a rape. Other barriers include: feelings of shame or embarrassment, fear of retaliation, and fear of rejection by family members and friends. The same factors that prevent a person who has been sexually assaulted from reporting a rape also prevent them from seeking treatment. These barriers include denial, fear and embarrassment.
For further information about the Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Program, call 410-767-4090.
