SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIMS WHO RECEIVED SERVICES IN ILLINOIS, 2023

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 2023, the 32 sexual violence service providers that use InfoNet across Illinois served 10,593 individuals who either experienced sexual violence directly (92%) or were a significant other (i.e., family member, intimate partner, friend) of a sexual violence survivor (8%). Among these clients, more than a third were minors aged 17 or younger (36%); 14% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual minority (LGBTQ+); 13% reported some type of physical, developmental, or mental/emotional disability; and 5% had limited or no English-speaking proficiency. In addition, service providers responded to 9,582 requests for anonymous crisis intervention via a hotline or in-person from survivors themselves or a family member or friend.