GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assault Gender Statistics

Global sexual assault affects millions, predominantly known, underreported, and preventable.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average age of entry into sexual violence crimes is approximately 13 years old

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Women aged 16-24 are most vulnerable to sexual assault, accounting for nearly 30% of victims

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Nearly 60% of sexual assault victims are under 18 years old

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Around 13% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 12

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Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as women without disabilities

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Indigenous women in some countries are disproportionately affected, with some reports indicating that they are 2-3 times more likely to experience sexual assault

Statistic 7

Approximately 12% of sexual assault victims are male children under age 12, highlighting the prevalence among young boys

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Approximately 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault are under the age of 16, underscoring the vulnerability of minors

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Women with higher levels of economic dependence are less likely to report sexual violence, due to fear of losing financial support

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The median age of reported sexual assault victims is approximately 16 years old, indicating the prevalence among teenagers

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The prevalence of sexual violence is higher among marginalized populations, including refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities, often due to increased vulnerability and lack of protection

Statistic 12

The majority of sexual assault victims experience emotional trauma, with over 60% reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety post-assault

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The median time between assault and disclosure is approximately 15 years, indicating significant delays in reporting sexual violence

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About 26% of female victims of sexual violence report the incident to someone other than police, such as friends or family

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Post-assault, only about 20-30% of women seek medical attention, limiting access to necessary health services

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Sexual violence costs the global economy billions annually in health care, legal, and lost productivity costs, estimated at over $150 billion

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About 70% of sexual assault victims experience feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, which can hinder disclosure and recovery

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The percentage of sexual assault survivors who experience PTSD can be as high as 50-80% in the months following the assault, depending on the study

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About 60% of victims do not disclose their assault due to fear of not being believed, shame, or retaliation

Statistic 20

Sexual violence exposure is associated with increased risk of substance abuse among victims, with studies indicating up to 35% of victims misuse alcohol or drugs post-assault

Statistic 21

Approximately 8-10% of sexual assault survivors develop long-term psychological conditions such as complex PTSD, depression, or anxiety, requiring ongoing mental health support

Statistic 22

Only 12-15% of victims who report sexual assault receive appropriate support services, indicating gaps in service provision

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In many countries, less than 20% of sexual violence cases ever get prosecuted, reflecting significant gaps in justice

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In some regions, cultural stigmas and taboos prevent over 75% of sexual assault victims from seeking help or reporting incidents, highlighting cultural barriers to justice

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Worldwide, the majority of cases of sexual violence remain uninvestigated due to lack of resources, cultural attitudes, or systemic issues, with some regions reporting less than 10% investigation completion rate

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The majority of perpetrators of sexual violence are known to the victim, with studies indicating 90% of offenders are acquaintances

Statistic 27

Only about 2% of rapists will ever spend any time in prison

Statistic 28

Sexual assault perpetrators are more likely to be under influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the assault, in about 50-60% of cases

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Approximately 70% of sexual offenders are repeat offenders, suggesting the importance of intervention programs

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Among the cases reported, about 50% of sexual assault incidents involve perpetrators who are acquaintances, friends, or partners, emphasizing the importance of relationship-based prevention

Statistic 31

Educational programs in schools about consent and healthy relationships have been shown to reduce incidents of sexual violence among students by approximately 25%

Statistic 32

Sexual violence prevention efforts targeted at men and boys are effective, with programs reducing perpetration rates by up to 35%, but such programs are still underutilized globally

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Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime

Statistic 34

In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some point in their lives

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Around 80% of women know their attacker

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Only about 37% of sexual assault survivors report the assault to the police

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Men are also victims, with roughly 1 in 71 men experiencing sexual assault compared to 1 in 5 women

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Sexual violence accounts for an estimated 13% of all violence-related deaths globally

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Among college students, 23% of women and 5% of men experience completed or attempted sexual assault during their college years

Statistic 40

Approximately 25% of women report experiencing sexual coercion or unwanted sexual contact during college

Statistic 41

Male victims of sexual violence are less likely to report the incident due to stigma, with some studies indicating less than 10% disclosure rate

Statistic 42

Academic research suggests that sexual assault is often underreported by about 80%, primarily due to fear of stigma or disbelief

Statistic 43

The incidence of sexual violence in conflict zones is significantly higher than in peace times, with some estimates indicating a 2-3 times increase

Statistic 44

Transgender individuals are at a higher risk, with some studies indicating that nearly 50% of transgender people experience sexual violence during their lifetime

Statistic 45

Sexual violence within intimate relationships accounts for a significant proportion of cases, with estimates up to 40%, highlighting the role of domestic violence

Statistic 46

Nearly 43% of female college students report experiencing sexual harassment or assault during their university years

Statistic 47

In countries with strong legal protections, reporting rates are higher, but underreporting remains a global issue, with some estimates suggesting only 1 in 10 cases are reported even where laws are strict

Statistic 48

Violence prevention programs focusing on education and awareness have reduced sexual assault rates by approximately 20-30% in some communities, demonstrating effective intervention

Statistic 49

Sexual violence in the military is a significant concern, with estimates suggesting up to 20% of women service members have experienced some form of sexual assault during their career

Statistic 50

The risk of sexual violence increases in environments where alcohol and drug consumption are prevalent, with up to 65% of cases involving substance use at the time of assault

Statistic 51

The incidence of forced sexual acts among juvenile offenders is rising, with recent studies indicating a 15% increase over the past decade, underscoring the need for targeted interventions

Statistic 52

In the United States, Native American women face rates of sexual violence nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average, highlighting ongoing disparities

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The majority of sexual assaults occur in private residences or known environments, with estimates around 70-80%, emphasizing the importance of community and relationship-based prevention

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Women with higher education levels are slightly more likely to report sexual assault, possibly due to greater awareness and confidence to disclose, though underreporting remains a challenge

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some point in their lives
Around 80% of women know their attacker
Only about 37% of sexual assault survivors report the assault to the police
The average age of entry into sexual violence crimes is approximately 13 years old
Women aged 16-24 are most vulnerable to sexual assault, accounting for nearly 30% of victims
Men are also victims, with roughly 1 in 71 men experiencing sexual assault compared to 1 in 5 women
Sexual violence accounts for an estimated 13% of all violence-related deaths globally
The majority of sexual assault victims experience emotional trauma, with over 60% reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety post-assault
Among college students, 23% of women and 5% of men experience completed or attempted sexual assault during their college years
Nearly 60% of sexual assault victims are under 18 years old
The majority of perpetrators of sexual violence are known to the victim, with studies indicating 90% of offenders are acquaintances
Approximately 25% of women report experiencing sexual coercion or unwanted sexual contact during college

Despite being a pervasive global crisis—with statistics revealing that approximately one in three women worldwide has endured sexual or physical violence, most perpetrators known to victims, and only a fraction of cases ever reported or prosecuted—the battle against sexual assault continues to be hampered by cultural stigmas, underreporting, and systemic barriers that conceal its true magnitude and hinder justice for survivors.

Demographics and Vulnerable Groups

The average age of entry into sexual violence crimes is approximately 13 years old
Women aged 16-24 are most vulnerable to sexual assault, accounting for nearly 30% of victims
Nearly 60% of sexual assault victims are under 18 years old
Around 13% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 12
Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as women without disabilities
Indigenous women in some countries are disproportionately affected, with some reports indicating that they are 2-3 times more likely to experience sexual assault
Approximately 12% of sexual assault victims are male children under age 12, highlighting the prevalence among young boys
Approximately 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault are under the age of 16, underscoring the vulnerability of minors
Women with higher levels of economic dependence are less likely to report sexual violence, due to fear of losing financial support
The median age of reported sexual assault victims is approximately 16 years old, indicating the prevalence among teenagers
The prevalence of sexual violence is higher among marginalized populations, including refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities, often due to increased vulnerability and lack of protection

Demographics and Vulnerable Groups Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal that sexual violence predominantly targets the most vulnerable—young girls, women with disabilities, indigenous communities, and marginalized groups—highlighting an urgent need for robust protections and community-based interventions to break the cycle of abuse.

Impact, Consequences, and Economic Costs

The majority of sexual assault victims experience emotional trauma, with over 60% reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety post-assault
The median time between assault and disclosure is approximately 15 years, indicating significant delays in reporting sexual violence
About 26% of female victims of sexual violence report the incident to someone other than police, such as friends or family
Post-assault, only about 20-30% of women seek medical attention, limiting access to necessary health services
Sexual violence costs the global economy billions annually in health care, legal, and lost productivity costs, estimated at over $150 billion
About 70% of sexual assault victims experience feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, which can hinder disclosure and recovery
The percentage of sexual assault survivors who experience PTSD can be as high as 50-80% in the months following the assault, depending on the study
About 60% of victims do not disclose their assault due to fear of not being believed, shame, or retaliation
Sexual violence exposure is associated with increased risk of substance abuse among victims, with studies indicating up to 35% of victims misuse alcohol or drugs post-assault
Approximately 8-10% of sexual assault survivors develop long-term psychological conditions such as complex PTSD, depression, or anxiety, requiring ongoing mental health support
Only 12-15% of victims who report sexual assault receive appropriate support services, indicating gaps in service provision

Impact, Consequences, and Economic Costs Interpretation

Despite the staggering toll—over 60% of victims grappling with depression, 70% haunted by shame, and up to 80% battling PTSD—decades pass before many speak out, revealing that silence and stigma sustain a global crisis costing billions and leaving too many to suffer in the shadows.

Legal, Cultural, and Prevention Measures

In many countries, less than 20% of sexual violence cases ever get prosecuted, reflecting significant gaps in justice
In some regions, cultural stigmas and taboos prevent over 75% of sexual assault victims from seeking help or reporting incidents, highlighting cultural barriers to justice
Worldwide, the majority of cases of sexual violence remain uninvestigated due to lack of resources, cultural attitudes, or systemic issues, with some regions reporting less than 10% investigation completion rate

Legal, Cultural, and Prevention Measures Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal a global epidemic of silence and systemic failure, where cultural stigmas, resource shortages, and judicial gaps conspire to keep the majority of sexual violence victims unheard and unserved in the quest for justice.

Perpetrators and Offender Characteristics

The majority of perpetrators of sexual violence are known to the victim, with studies indicating 90% of offenders are acquaintances
Only about 2% of rapists will ever spend any time in prison
Sexual assault perpetrators are more likely to be under influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the assault, in about 50-60% of cases
Approximately 70% of sexual offenders are repeat offenders, suggesting the importance of intervention programs
Among the cases reported, about 50% of sexual assault incidents involve perpetrators who are acquaintances, friends, or partners, emphasizing the importance of relationship-based prevention
Educational programs in schools about consent and healthy relationships have been shown to reduce incidents of sexual violence among students by approximately 25%
Sexual violence prevention efforts targeted at men and boys are effective, with programs reducing perpetration rates by up to 35%, but such programs are still underutilized globally

Perpetrators and Offender Characteristics Interpretation

Despite the stark reality that 90% of sexual assault perpetrators are known to their victims and most reoffend, the grim truth remains that only about 2% face prison, highlighting an urgent need for more effective intervention and preventative education rooted in understanding consent, relationships, and accountability.

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some point in their lives
Around 80% of women know their attacker
Only about 37% of sexual assault survivors report the assault to the police
Men are also victims, with roughly 1 in 71 men experiencing sexual assault compared to 1 in 5 women
Sexual violence accounts for an estimated 13% of all violence-related deaths globally
Among college students, 23% of women and 5% of men experience completed or attempted sexual assault during their college years
Approximately 25% of women report experiencing sexual coercion or unwanted sexual contact during college
Male victims of sexual violence are less likely to report the incident due to stigma, with some studies indicating less than 10% disclosure rate
Academic research suggests that sexual assault is often underreported by about 80%, primarily due to fear of stigma or disbelief
The incidence of sexual violence in conflict zones is significantly higher than in peace times, with some estimates indicating a 2-3 times increase
Transgender individuals are at a higher risk, with some studies indicating that nearly 50% of transgender people experience sexual violence during their lifetime
Sexual violence within intimate relationships accounts for a significant proportion of cases, with estimates up to 40%, highlighting the role of domestic violence
Nearly 43% of female college students report experiencing sexual harassment or assault during their university years
In countries with strong legal protections, reporting rates are higher, but underreporting remains a global issue, with some estimates suggesting only 1 in 10 cases are reported even where laws are strict
Violence prevention programs focusing on education and awareness have reduced sexual assault rates by approximately 20-30% in some communities, demonstrating effective intervention
Sexual violence in the military is a significant concern, with estimates suggesting up to 20% of women service members have experienced some form of sexual assault during their career
The risk of sexual violence increases in environments where alcohol and drug consumption are prevalent, with up to 65% of cases involving substance use at the time of assault
The incidence of forced sexual acts among juvenile offenders is rising, with recent studies indicating a 15% increase over the past decade, underscoring the need for targeted interventions
In the United States, Native American women face rates of sexual violence nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average, highlighting ongoing disparities
The majority of sexual assaults occur in private residences or known environments, with estimates around 70-80%, emphasizing the importance of community and relationship-based prevention
Women with higher education levels are slightly more likely to report sexual assault, possibly due to greater awareness and confidence to disclose, though underreporting remains a challenge

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite global strides in awareness and legal protections, the startling reality that approximately one-third of women worldwide endure sexual violence, much of it concealed within familiar settings and underreported due to stigma, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive cultural shift that empowers survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.