This report illustrates the results of a cross-national study based on in-depth interviews from both experts and average Americans on Sexual Violence. This study, supported by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center comprises the following three components: 1) an analysis of the discourse on sexual violence from expert interviews, 2) one-on-one cognitive interviews with Americans, and 3) a comparative analysis that “maps the gaps” between expert and lay understandings of this topic. The report concludes with a set of recommendations that will improve communications practice around this issue and inform future research.