According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, in North Carolina 1 in 5 women have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.

Over 20,000 North Carolinians were affected by sexual violence last year. (Oct 2006 NC Council for Women)

In 2003-2004 the local county programs served 7,265 clients.  The 2004-2005 total number of clients served represents a 16% increase in the total clients served.

In 2004-2005, whites compromised 60% of the clients served while 20% were black.

In 2004-2005 24% of the clients served were in the 26-40 age group.

Women compromised 87% of the total number of clients served while men accounted for 13%.

Of the total number of assaults, 25% were child sexual offenses (1,446) reported to the local county programs.

A majority of clients were assaulted by either an acquaintance or relative while 15% of the clients served did not give this information to the local county program.

In 2004-2005, 31% of the offenders were a relative of the victim while 35% were an acquaintance.

False accusations of sexual assault are estimated to occur at the low rate of 2 percent—similar to the rate of false accusations for other violent crimes. (First Response to Victims of Crime: A Handbook for Law Enforcement Officers on How to Approach and Help. ((2000) Office for Victims of Crime p.8-9)

Rape, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence are among the most common causes of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in women. The chances that a woman will develop PTSD after being raped are between 50% and 95%. Sexual assault is also closely associated with depression and anxiety disorder. (Population Information Program. (2000) Population Reports: Ending Violence Against Women. Center for Communication Programs, The John Hopkins School of Public Health and Center for Health and Gender Equality)

In 2004-2005 Madison county had 34 sexual assaults.