MDH: 1 In 5 Sex Assault Victims Seek Hospitalization
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- State health officials say very few survivors of sexual assault in Minnesota go to a hospital for treatment after it happens.
In a news conference, the Minnesota Department of Health shared data they gathered during a five-year study.
They found that about 1,400 people go to the hospital for treatment each year, which translates to about one in five men and women who are sexually assaulted.
Health experts say their data show the overall number of sexual assaults isn't going down. They say the entire community plays a role in stopping it.
"We need all parts of the community -- public health, schools, faith-based organizations, sports associations, businesses and others -- to play a role in reducing all violence, including sexual violence," Dr. Ed Ehlinger said.
Ehlinger stressed that anyone who is sexually assaulted can go to the hospital for treatment, even if they don't want to involve police.