An Interview With Luba Lukova Designer of the New "Say So" Logo "I think art should reflect what is going on in the real world," said Luba Lukova, the designer of the Alliance's new SAY SO logo. Lukova's posters have gained international acclaim for their interpretation of social issues such as those addressed by the Alliance. "I am not an isolated, distant artist," she said. I keep my eyes, ears and, most importantly my heart open to what is happening around us and then I express what I feel..." [Read more.] |
Factsheets: The Cost of Inaction: Social and Economic Consequences of Untreated Sexual Violence in NYCAs sexual violence silently permeates our communities, it wreaks its damage- high economic costs and incalculable pain on society as a whole.
Sexual Violence: Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work. Facts
ConsequencesSexual violence can have very harmful and lasting consequences for victims, families, and communities. Victims of sexual violence face both immediate and long-term physical and psychological consequences, including disability preventing work, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and attempted or completed suicide. There are also social consequences including strained relationships with family, friends, and intimate partners, and lower likelihood of marriage.Social Problems Associated with Sexual AssaultPovertySexual violence interrupts work and education. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 20% of rape victims report missing work as a result of their attacks, with 1 in 5 reporting more than 11 days out of work as a consequence of the physical and mental strain following their attack. Survivors of sexual violence often struggle on the job due to trauma, persistent fear, physical complications, depression and anxiety, and the need for time off for court dates, counseling, and health care. For many victims, it may be difficult to obtain or keep a job, which greatly increases their risk for poverty. In 1998, New York State implemented the Family Violence Option which protects victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse from receiving public assistance sanctions, recognizing that physical and sexual violence can severely impede a survivor’s ability to comply with welfare requirements and achieve economic stability. Education A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that women who survived sexual abuse had greater than a three-fold increase in risk for not completing high school than women who reported no sexual abuse. Homelessness Many homeless persons are on the street to escape previous sexual abuse, causing them to be vulnerable to further victimization. Victimization can prolong homelessness by creating additional physical and psychological barriers. Young people trying to escape sexual abuse at home are at risk of becoming homeless. 61% of homeless girls and 16% of homeless boys reported having been sexually abused before leaving home. Incarceration Research shows that 82% of incarcerated women report experiencing childhood sexual abuse or severe parental violence before reaching adulthood. A study of the American Psychological Association found that 31% of male adolescent sex offenders report experiencing some form of sexual abuse. Health and Mental Health Sexual assault is associated with an increased lifetime rate of attempted suicide. In women, a history of sexual trauma before age 16 years is a particularly strong correlate of attempted suicide. Women who experience sexual assault report more somatic complaints, poorer perceptions of physical health, greater psychological distress, and increased use of medical services. Men who reported experiencing early childhood sexual abuse had a two-fold increase in prevalence of HIV infection relative to men who reported no abuse. Substance Abuse Research has documented a high incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse among survivors of sexual assault. Women substance abusers in particular show high rates of this dual diagnosis, most commonly deriving from a history of repetitive childhood physical or sexual assault. Adolescent Substance Abuse A diagnosis of PTSD among adolescents increases the risk of marijuana and hard drug abuse and dependence. Data shows that victimized youth begin using substances before non-victimized youth. The cycle of victimization often begins in the form of sexual assault, physical assault, or witnessing violence. ConclusionThe high economic cost of untreated sexual assault demonstrates the need for a city wide plan to provide the best possible care to survivors, and prevent sexual violence. The economic, social, and human costs inflicted by sexual violence are immeasurable. However, these costs could be dramatically reduced by providing the best methods of detection, intervention, and prevention of sexual assault in New York City.Download This factsheet, including sources and footnotes, is available for download in PDF format.
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Featured Artist:
Regina Lafay
The Alliance Executive Director and Research Director with youth visiting the Alliance from the Eleanor Roosevelt Girls’ Leadership Workshop
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Download this factsheet.
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