About 15 percent of them had experienced dating violence and more than 23 percent of girls and 15 percent of boys had been forced to have sex.

   Nearly 10 percent of the girls had been beaten at least once by their dating partner, while about 9 percent said they had been beating their dating partner.  For boys, 5 percent said they had been victims of dating violence and 7 percent said they were perpetrators.

Remember: if you are a victim of sexual assault, you are not to blame.  The person who assaulted you is to blame and is responsible for what happened.

   Many assaults are violent and unexpected and leave victims confused about how to react.  After an assault, some victims worry if they reacted in the right way. Just remember, there is no one absolutely right way to respond to violence.  Whether you make the decision to fight back or not to resist out of fear, your decision is a legitimate one and is based on what is happening at the time.

Resources:

Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence Healthy Relationships

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Division of Violence Prevention

Sexual Trauma Services (formerly Rape Crisis Network) In South Carolina, the number is 803-252-8393.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health provides services through 17 community mental health centers, a variety of outreach programs and six major inpatient facilities.