About Sexual Assault

Knowledge Is Power: Learning About Sexual Assault

Sexual assault isn’t just something that happens elsewhere—it’s happening here, in our own community. While women and young people are most often affected, sexual assault can and does impact individuals from all walks of life. The data tells a powerful story, and understanding the laws that protect survivors is essential to addressing the problem effectively. At Bridging Hope, we’re committed to educating our community about the realities of sexual violence, sharing accurate information, and advocating for stronger protections. By learning more, you can help create a safer, more informed North Georgia for everyone.

Sexual Assault Data

According to the RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) – the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization – these are the most recent statistics regarding sexual assault and abuse in the United States.

General:
  • In the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape during their lifetime
  • 44% of victims are under age 18 and 80% of victims are under age 30
Women:
  • 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape)
  • 7 million American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape
  • 9 of every 10 rape victims were female in 2003
  • Women ages 18-24 who are college students are 3 times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence
Men:
  • About 3% of American men – or 1 in 33 – have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime
  • In 2003, 1 in every ten rape victims were male
  • 2.78 million men in the U.S. have been victims of sexual assault or rape
Legal Guidance

Case Law Regarding “Force” Laws

There are many laws on the books in the state of Georgia that afford protection to sexual assault survivors and punish the perpetrators of sexual violence. Below is a selection of laws that may assist any sexual assault survivor in their quest for safety and justice.

Regarding “Physical Force”

Physical force is not required. Intimidation may substitute for force. Lack of resistance, induced by fear, is force, and may be shown by the victim’s state of mind from her prior experience with the perpetrator and subjective apprehension of danger from him.

  • Williams v. State, 304 Ga. App. 592 (2010)
  • Matlock v. State, 302 Ga. App. 173 (2010)

Force element of rape is shown if a defendant’s words or acts were sufficient to instill in the victim a reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, violence, or other dangerous consequences to herself or others.

  • Stover v. State, 293 Ga. App. 210 (2008)

Substantial violence by the perpetrator or vigorous resistance by the victim is not required to find rape if forcible intercourse is otherwise found.

  • Dorsey v. State, 206 Ga. App. 709 (1992)
Establishing Occurrence of Rape

The testimony of the victim alone (without evidence of physical injury) is sufficient to establish rape and support of conviction for that offense.

  • Brown v. State, 293 Ga. App.  633 (2008)

Importantly, only minimal evidence of force is required to prove rape of a person under the age of 16, and intimidation may substitute for force.

  • Wightman v. State, 289 Ga. App. 225 (2008).

“Consent induced by force or fear is not the free consent required to prevent an act from constituting rape; it is equivalent to no consent at all.

  • Smith v. State, 287 Ga. App. 222 (2007)
  • Collins v. State, 267 Ga. App. 784 (2004)
Learn More

The experienced professionals at Bridging Hope have a deep understanding of the legal system as it relates to sexual assault. We can help advise you how to proceed if you have any questions regarding sexual violence that has occurred to you or a loved one. Please contact us today to learn more.

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Get Help Now

If you are in imminent danger, please call 911 immediately. However, if you or someone you know has experienced any type of sexual abuse or assault, call our 24-hour crisis line at 770-503-7273. Bridging Hope’s trained, professional, and discreet advocates will advise you how to proceed regarding health care, judicial concerns, and beyond – and we provide this support free of charge.

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