Sexual and domestic violence growing due to victims' silence

A new study has found that sexual and domestic violence are widespread and largely not discussed.

According to a women's awareness group, an estimated 22 percent of Americans say that they have been a victim of domestic violence, and 13 percent report being the victim of sexual assault, CBS News reported.

The "No More" survey, funded by the Avon Foundation for Women, found that despite the apparent scope of the issues, more than half of American's say they have never discussed sexual assault or domestic violence with their friends.

It's a combination of data, the group states in its release, that "uncovers staggering silence and inaction around domestic violence and sexual assault."

Avon Foundation for Women President Carol Kurzig said in a statement that silence leaves victims trapped by the shame, stigma and fear that these crimes carry.

She said that if we can encourage more people to start talking, we can end that cycle and bring these issues to light in a new way.

The study, conducted by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, surveyed 301 teens between the ages of 15 and 17, and 1,006 adults 18 and over.

Based on the polling and population figures, the study estimates that 54 million Americans report that they have been a victim of domestic violence-including 1 in 3 women.

The group estimates that 32 million report that they have been a victim of sexual assault-including 1 in 5 women.