• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Program

     meeting-594091_640.jpg

    Sexual Violence in Maryland

    Thousands of Marylanders are affected by sexual violence each year. About one in five (or 466,000) adult women have been forcibly raped. One in six (or 359,000) adult men have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives (NISVS, 2010). 

    Sexual violence is connected to other forms of violence. This increases the chances that survivors will be abused again. There are shared risk and protective factors linking many forms of violence. For example, a teen who was abused as a child is at higher risk to commit or experience sexual violence later in life. Multiple forms of violence can be prevented at the same time. You can find more information about sexual violence here


    About the Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Program (RSAPP)

    RSAPP leads Maryland’s primary prevention efforts to reduce sexual violence. RSAPP supports projects that aim to reduce sexual violence in Maryland by providing resources and training. RSAPP uses data to identify populations, programs, and partners. 

    RSAPP and its partners evaluate programs and activities to see how well they work. RSAPP works with partners and evaluators to collect and report data. RSAPP tracks data related to sexual violence and related factors, such as social norms and community connectedness.

    RSAPP works with many partners in prevention, including state agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, and businesses. RSAPP supports programs that use the best available evidence. Specific programs and partners are outlined below. 


    Partners in Prevention

    RSAPP’s partners play an important role in preventing sexual violence. Programs and partners include: 

    • ​Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers: With the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services (GOCPYVS), RSAPP supports several rape crisis and recovery centers to prevent sexual violence in their communities. This includes social norms change, bystander intervention, working with youth, changing organizations, and changing the built environment.

    • Statewide Coalition-building: The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Inc. (MCASA) is a statewide organization to end sexual assault. MCASA builds a prevention coalition with partners across the state. They work to shift norms so violence is unacceptable and create a culture of consequences for sexual violence. MCASA works with schools, colleges, rape crisis and recovery centers, and other partners to accomplish this.

    • College-based Sexual Assault Prevention: These programs engage students on campus. Participating colleges hold activities such as bystander intervention, working with young men, improving policies, and changing the campus environment.​

    • Maryland Women of Color Network (WOCN): Maryland WOCN, a program of MCASA, holds an annual conference supported by RSAPP. The conference brings together professionals and community leaders to share best practices. The conference also builds cultural competency so survivors of color feel supported when seeking help.

    • Supporting Survivors: RSAPP supports counseling services, hotline services, and advocacy services provided by rape crisis and recovery centers. To find your local center in Maryland, visit MCASA’s webpage.

    • Forensic Nurse Training: RSAPP supports training for nurses to conduct sexual assault forensic exams. For a list of Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) programs in Maryland, go here.

    Get Involved (RISEMD)

    RISEMD is a statewide Alliance coordinated by RSAPP. RISEMD addresses the prevention of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse in Maryland. Prevention training is provided and resources are shared with the group. RISEMD members share important feedback to RSAPP. This feedback is used to guide future projects and activities.
    To join RISEMD, email ​mdh.risemd@maryland.gov.

    Resources