My Healthy Community

Overview

Sexual violence (SV) is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. Consent means granting permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. SV affects every community and people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages. Anyone can commit or experience SV, but women are at greater risk of experiencing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 50% (1 in 2) of women have experienced SV. Almost 33% (1 in 3) of men have experienced SV.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is harm or threats to harm someone based on their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It may include physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or emotional abuse. GBV can happen to anyone, but women and girls are most at risk.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that survivors of GBV are at greater risk of experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance misuse disorders, and suicide attempts. The effects of GBV extend beyond the survivor. GBV also impacts families and communities.

woman in orange long sleeve shirt sitting on gray couch

Photo credit:Joice Kelly

Key Data & Reports

Gender-Based Violence in Delaware

Sexual Violence

The effects of sexual violence can be life-changing. RAINN.org describes the impact sexual violence can have on survivors. Survivors of sexual violence may experience depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and substance use, among other effects.

According to a 2023 report published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 55,000 sexual assault survivors visited an emergency department in 2023. About 21% of sexual assault survivors seek medical attention after an assault.

Understanding what contributes to SV is a major part of preventing it. There are many ways to address SV in Delaware. Educating people on what SV and consent are, engaging men and boys as allies against SV, and creating safe, protective environments for everyone. These ideas address several factors that influence sexual violence.

Kent County

Sexual Violence Emergency Department Visits (Count)

The number of Sexual Violence Emergency Department Visits in Kent County in is .

In order to protect privacy small values are not reported

Kent County

Sexual Violence Emergency Department Visits (Rate)

In Kent County reported the rate of Sexual Violence Emergency Department Visits to be per rate per 100,000 people.

In order to protect privacy small values are not reported

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate-partner violence (IPV) is abuse or neglect that occurs in a romantic relationship. Intimate partner refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can include physical, psychological, financial, emotional, or sexual abuse. IPV survivors may develop various chronic health conditions, like heart or digestive issues. IPV can affect anyone. The Hotline.org finds that women aged 18-34 are at greater risk of being killed by a current or former male intimate partner. An average of 24 people every minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S. IPV is the leading cause of homicide death for women.

Preventing IPV requires understanding the factors that put people at risk of it. There are many ways to address intimate-partner violence. Teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, creating protective environments, and strengthening economic support for families can positively address intimate-partner violence.

Kent County

Intimate Partner Violence Emergency Department Visits (Count)

The number of Intimate Partner Violence Emergency Department Visits in Kent County in is .

In order to protect privacy small values are not reported

Kent County

Intimate Partner Violence Emergency Department Visits (Rate)

In Kent County reported the rate of Intimate Partner Violence Emergency Department Visits to be per rate per 100,000 people.

In order to protect privacy small values are not reported

About the data

Additional Information

The data included here reflect visits to Delaware emergency departments made by victims of sexual violence. It is important to note that not all victims seek care following an incident of violence. Additional data on the incidence of sexual violence in Delaware will be added to this site in the future. Other sources that include Delaware specific data are the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Data Sources

Gender-Based Violence

Citation: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/

View or download this dataset

Investigate Over Time

Sexual Violence in Kent County

Select indicator

Sexual Violence Emergency Department Visits (Rate) in Kent County

Rate per 100,000 people

Data loading for chart...

Please note: Counts of less than 11 are suppressed. If the population is sufficiently large, 0 counts may be shown. Rates based on counts less than 20 may be unstable.

About the Data

Data Sources

Gender-Based Violence

Citation: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/

View or download this dataset

Additional Information

Sexual Violence in Kent County

Resources

Gender-Based Violence Prevention (Office of Women's Health)

The Office of Women’s Health (OWH) addresses women’s health issues across their lifespan through forums, programs, and initiatives designed to educate the public regarding women’s health and healthy lifestyles.

SAMHSA

RAINN

The Hotline

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Sexual Violence Prevention (CDC)

Data Sources

Gender-Based Violence

Citation: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/

View or download this dataset

Privacy

In releasing this information, Delaware aims to provide information that can be helpful to local communities as they work to improve public health. However, the protection of the confidentiality of our citizens is of paramount importance. To that end, counts of less than 11 are not presented. An outside expert has reviewed the platform to ensure it complies with the HIPAA privacy rule (45 CFR 164.§514(b)).