Sexual violence is a major
public health problem. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (found here) shows that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men experience rape in their lifetime.
Half of women and 1 in 5 men experience severe sexual violence other than rape
at some point in their lives.
DSHS and other state
partners work to stop sexual violence before it occurs. Through funds and
guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DSHS supports
Texas’ sexual assault programs to provide:
- education
for youth, parents, teachers, and other adult influencers;
- programs
for college students and campus personnel; and
- opportunities
for communities to take action to prevent sexual violence
Activities are guided by the
Texas state sexual violence prevention plan: Preventing Sexual Violence in Texas, A
Primary Prevention Approach, 2010-2018.
Other agencies working to end sexual violence include:
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) – TAASA is
committed to ending sexual violence in Texas through education, prevention and
advocacy. TAASA provides training on prevention efforts and assistance to
sexual assault programs. (TAASA's website)
Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)– TCFV promotes safe and healthy
relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic
prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic
violence. (TCFV’s website)
For more information, please
contact us at:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Maternal & Child Health
PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1922
Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 776-7373: Phone
(512) 458-7658: Fax
TitleV@dshs.texas.gov
External links to other
sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the
Texas Department of State Health Services. These external links may not be
accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information about Maternal and
Child Health or information regarding adolescent health in Texas, please email TitleV@dshs.texas.gov or call (512) 776-7373.