WE'RE ON A MISSION
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is working to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault.
About Sexual Violence
Sexual violence violates a person's trust, autonomy and feeling of safety.
It occurs any time a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity.
The range of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, human trafficking and voyeurism.
Rape is a crime. It is motivated by the need to control, humiliate, and harm. It is not motivated by sexual desire. Rapists use sex as a weapon to dominate and hurt others.
For more information about rape and its devastating effects click on the issues below:
The Realities of Sexual Violence
“People don’t lie about being sexually assaulted.”
Whenever a person experiences sexual assault, the idea that they will not be believed often acts as a deterrent to seeking help. Additionally, victim or survivors of sexual assault are also often blamed for what has happened to them. Because of this, and other factors, people who have been sexually assaulted report less often and do not get the help they need at a time when they need it most.
Child Sexual Abuse and Incest
Vision of Hope: www.theirhope.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: www.nsvrc.org
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence: www.naesv.org
National Center for Victims of Crime: www.ncvc.org
Rape Abuse Incest National Network: www.rainn.org
Drug or Alcohol Facilitated Rape
Elder sexual abuse
Elder sexual abuse or abuse of those later in life is considered in Pennsylvania the sexual assault of a person over the age of 60.
Only 30% of rape/sexual assault victims age 65 or older reported to the police.
Partner, Marital or Spousal Rape
In Pennsylvania, rape is rape, no matter what the relationship is between the victim and the perpetrator.
Poverty and Sexual Violence
Research shows an undeniable link between poverty and sexual violence. Sexual violence can jeopardize a person's economic wellbeing, often leading to homelessness, unemployment, interrupted education and health, mental health, and other daily stressors and struggles. In turn, living without one's basic needs met can increase a person's risk for sexual victimization.
Other Resources
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: www.nsvrc.org
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence: www.naesv.org
National Center for Victims of Crime: www.ncvc.org
Rape Abuse Incest National Network: www.rainn.org
National Sisters of Color to End Sexual Assault: www.sisterslead.org
Statutory Rape
Sexual intercourse with a victim under 16 years of age and a perpetrator being four or more years older (this definition is specific to Pennsylvania). Read more about Pennsylvania state laws.
Although some relationships between teens and those older than them are consensual, meaning they are not forced but are willing participants in the relationship or sexual contact, it is still considered rape by law.
