Quick Facts on Sexual Violence against Young Women and Girls

Women and girls who are victims of violence are often criminalized and incarcerated for behaviors stemming from their abuse. This criminalization is retraumatizing and intensifies an already vicious cycle.

“Traumatic experiences are frequently the cause for youth involvement in the criminal justice system, with 31% of girls having been victims of sexual violence, 41% being physically abused, and 84% experiencing family violence. Black girls are almost six times more likely to be suspended than white girls, and three times more likely to be suspended than Black boys for the same behavior. Students suspended or expelled are in turn three times more likely to be drawn into the juvenile justice system the following year.”