Key Highlights
- Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced intimate partner sexual violence
- Intimate partner rape accounts for nearly 50% of all completed rapes
- Women aged 18-24 are most at risk, with 23.1% experiencing rape or sexual assault by an intimate partner
- Intimate partner rape is underreported, with an estimated 63% of victims not disclosing to anyone
- Nearly 82% of rapes committed by an intimate partner involve physical force or threat
- Among victims of intimate partner rape, 60% experienced repeated assaults
- The average age at first experience of intimate partner sexual violence is 17.4 years
- Women living in rural areas are more likely to experience intimate partner rape, at a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 women, compared to urban areas, 1.7 per 1,000 women
- Approximately 1 in 10 male victims of intimate partner sexual violence report the incident
- Nearly 70% of victims of intimate partner rape sustain physical injuries
- About 44% of women who experience intimate partner rape report having sought medical attention
- The prevalence of intimate partner rape among college students is estimated at 10-20%
- 24% of women who experienced intimate partner rape said that the assault was repeated
Despite being among the most underreported and devastating forms of violence, intimate partner rape affects millions worldwide, revealing alarming statistics that demand urgent awareness and action.
Economic and Societal Costs
- The economic costs associated with intimate partner sexual violence in the U.S. are estimated to be in the billions annually, including healthcare, legal, and lost productivity costs
Economic and Societal Costs Interpretation
Impact on Victims and Vulnerable Populations
- Among victims of intimate partner rape, 60% experienced repeated assaults
- Nearly 70% of victims of intimate partner rape sustain physical injuries
- Women in abusive relationships are at a 3-6 times higher risk of sexual violence compared to women in non-abusive relationships
- Women who experience intimate partner rape are more likely to develop mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, than non-victims
- Approximately 21% of women who experienced intimate partner rape report that they feared for their life during the assault
- Intimate partner sexual violence is correlated with increased risk of substance abuse among victims, at rates of about 30-40%
- About 15% of all rape victims, including intimate partner rape victims, report an injury requiring medical treatment
- Children and adolescents in abusive households are at increased risk of experiencing or witnessing intimate partner sexual violence, with rates exceeding 25% in some communities
- Intimate partner rape increases the likelihood of long-term health issues, including chronic pain and reproductive health problems, in victims
- About 70% of victims of intimate partner rape report experiencing significant emotional trauma, including anxiety and depression, after the assault
- Victims of intimate partner rape often experience sleep disturbances, with over 50% reporting issues such as insomnia or nightmares
- 65% of women who have experienced intimate partner rape report long-lasting feelings of betrayal and mistrust, impacting future relationships
- Pregnant women are at increased risk of experiencing sexual violence from an intimate partner, which affects approximately 4-8% of pregnancies
- About 1 in 5 women in abusive relationships experience sexual violence, including rape, during pregnancy, increasing health risks for mother and child
- Victims of intimate partner rape report higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to those who have not experienced sexual violence, with about 30-40% reporting such thoughts
Impact on Victims and Vulnerable Populations Interpretation
Perpetrator Profiles and Attitudes
- Only 15% of perpetrators of intimate partner rape are prosecuted
- The majority of perpetrators of intimate partner rape are male—estimated at over 90%
- There is a strong link between intimate partner sexual violence and the perpetration of subsequent violence or abusive behavior, with about 25% of perpetrators having committed other forms of violence
Perpetrator Profiles and Attitudes Interpretation
Prevalence and Demographics of Intimate Partner Rape
- Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced intimate partner sexual violence
- Intimate partner rape accounts for nearly 50% of all completed rapes
- Women aged 18-24 are most at risk, with 23.1% experiencing rape or sexual assault by an intimate partner
- Nearly 82% of rapes committed by an intimate partner involve physical force or threat
- The average age at first experience of intimate partner sexual violence is 17.4 years
- Women living in rural areas are more likely to experience intimate partner rape, at a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 women, compared to urban areas, 1.7 per 1,000 women
- The prevalence of intimate partner rape among college students is estimated at 10-20%
- 24% of women who experienced intimate partner rape said that the assault was repeated
- 40% of victims of intimate partner rape are under the age of 25
- Domestic violence shelters report that 50-60% of their clients have experienced intimate partner sexual violence
- Rates of intimate partner rape among women with disabilities are significantly higher, with estimates up to 40%
- Nearly 1 in 3 women who experience intimate partner rape report that it was coerced through threats or intimidation
- 50% of women who experience intimate partner rape also report experiencing physical violence from the same partner
- Around 12% of women report that their first sexual experience involved coercion or force by a partner
- The likelihood of being raped by an intimate partner is highest among women aged 25-34, with a rate of 1.8 per 1,000 women
- The prevalence of intimate partner rape is higher among lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women compared to heterosexual women, with estimates up to 40%
Prevalence and Demographics of Intimate Partner Rape Interpretation
Underreporting and Disclosure Patterns
- Intimate partner rape is underreported, with an estimated 63% of victims not disclosing to anyone
- Approximately 1 in 10 male victims of intimate partner sexual violence report the incident
- About 44% of women who experience intimate partner rape report having sought medical attention
- About 60% of victims of intimate partner rape report feelings of shame and embarrassment, preventing disclosure
- Nearly 60% of women who experience intimate partner rape do not report the assault to law enforcement, mainly due to fear or shame
- Men who are victims of intimate partner sexual violence often face greater stigma, leading to lower reporting rates than women, estimated at less than 10%
- Rural victims of intimate partner sexual violence are less likely to seek help or report the incident, with reporting rates below 20%, compared to urban victims, over 40%
Underreporting and Disclosure Patterns Interpretation
Sources & References
- Reference 1CDCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 2BJSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 3NSVRCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 4NCBIResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 5NCADVResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 6NCSLResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 7CHILDWELFAREResearch Publication(2024)Visit source