Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        Connecticut Department of Public Health

October 20, 2009                                 Contact:  William Gerrish

                                                             (860) 509-7270

 

 

Consequences of sexual violence can have a devastating impact 

 

Hartford – State and federal health officials joined community partners today at the state Capitol to discuss the devastating impact of sexual violence as well as prevention strategies to address this problem.

 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health received funding through a federal grant to build the state’s capacity to eliminate sexual violence victimization and perpetration and ensure safe and healthy communities. The approach includes the formation of the Connecticut Sexual Violence Prevention Planning Committee.

 

“These crimes leave deep scars – physically, emotionally and economically,” Governor M. Jodi Rell said. “This federal grant will allow us to work closely with community partners across the state to promote greater awareness and prevention.”

 

According to health officials, sexual violence is a major public health problem within the state, nation, and world.  One in six women and one in 33 men in the United States report experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives.

 

In Connecticut:

  • One in every eight women or 13.2% has been raped at some time in their lifetime.
  • The State Police Crimes and Data Analysis Unit crime statistics show that 757 rapes were reported to the police in calendar year 2005, for a rate of 41.79 rapes/100,000 females.
  • In 2007, 906 encounters of sexual violence were recorded at CT emergency rooms
  • The FBI has 658 reported cases of rape in 2007 for CT, a rate of 36.52 rapes/per 100,000

 

The results of sexual violence can lead to chronic health problems such as headaches, stomach problems and sexually transmitted diseases.  Sexual violence can also have emotional impact.  Victims may have issues with trust and becoming involved with others.  They may have depression or even attempt suicide. 

 

The economic impact of sexual violence can be costly as well.  Rape is the most costly of all crimes.  Nationally, it is estimated at $127 billion a year, compared to physical assault at $93 billion, murder at $71 billion, drunk driving at $61 billion and child abuse at $56 billion.

 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph  or call (860) 509-7270.

 

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