Who can be a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse?

• A. Anyone can be victim regardless of race, sex, age etc
• B. Only adults
• C. Only victims who report within 24 hours
• D. Only those in a domestic relationship

Answer: (A)

Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of who they are. Domestic violence and sexual abuse cross all boundaries of race, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and socioeconomic status. No group is immune, and protection and support should be available to every person in danger, whether they are a child, an adult, an elder, in a dating relationship, married, or living with a partner. This universality is why services, laws, and responses are designed to acknowledge and assist all potential victims, not just specific demographics or situations. The idea that only adults, or only people who report within a day, or only those in a domestic relationship can be victims is not accurate, because abuse can affect anyone and occurs in various relational contexts.