Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health
Office of Women's Health
1000 S. Fremont Ave.
Building A-9 East, Unit #105
Alhambra, CA 91803
Phone: (626) 293-2600
Email: owh@ph.lacounty.gov
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence (SV) refers to sexual activity when consent
is not obtained or given freely. Anyone can experience SV,
but most victims are female.
Sexual violence includes rape, and any other unwanted sexual
contact or experience. About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men
have experienced sexual violence in the form of physical
contact at some point in their lives. Violence starts early.
Before age 18, eight and a half million women first
experienced rape. Victims of sexual violence can experience
depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The person
responsible for the violence is typically male, and usually
someone known to the victim.
The person can be, but it not limited to, a friend, intimate
partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.
