2024 INFONET SEXUAL ASSAULT DATA HIGHLIGHTS

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM raises awareness about the extent of sexual violence and educates communities about preventing sexual violence and help-seeking. InfoNet data show that in 2024, the 32 sexual violence service providers that use InfoNet across Illinois served 9,864 individuals who either experienced sexual violence directly (93%) or were the significant other (i.e., family member, intimate partner, friend) of a sexual violence survivor (7%). This reflects a 7% decrease in the total number of sexual assault clients served compared to the previous year.

Sexual Assault Client Demographics

• Most clients identified as female (85%). Other clients identified as male (13%) and transgender, gender non-conforming, or another gender identity (3%).
• 42% of clients identified as people of color.
• More than a third of clients were minors aged 17 or younger (34%).
• One in five clients identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or another sexual minority (LGBTQ+)– a 6% increase compared to 2023.
• 19% of clients reported some type of physical, developmental, or mental/emotional disability. Similar to sexual orientation, this reflects a 6% increase compared to 2023.
• 7% of clients had limited or no English-speaking proficiency.

Hotline Calls and Direct Services

• Service providers responded to 10,355 requests for anonymous crisis intervention– an 8% increase compared to 2023, via a hotline or in-person from survivors themselves or a family member or friend.
• Sexual assault agencies provided 122,808 direct service contacts.
• Clients most commonly received general advocacy and in-person counseling services (42%).