GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assault In College Statistics

Sexual assault in college affects over 20% of women, mostly perpetrated by peers.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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20. Bystander intervention programs have been shown to reduce sexual assault on college campuses by approximately 16%

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27. Over 50% of college students are unaware of their rights or campus policies regarding sexual assault

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34. Campus sexual assault prevention programs are most effective when they involve peer education, according to research

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43. Nearly one-third of college women know someone who has been sexually assaulted, indicating widespread awareness and concern

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47. Campus climate surveys reveal that approximately 55% of students believe sexual assault is a campus problem but feel the institution does not do enough to prevent it

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54. About 15% of college students are unaware of their campus’s sexual assault reporting procedures, indicating gaps in knowledge

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60. Education programs that include bystander intervention training can decrease sexual assault rates by approximately 20% on college campuses

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61. Research indicates that sexual violence prevention programs are most effective when they are ongoing rather than one-time initiatives, with sustained programs reducing incidents by up to 25%

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68. Over 60% of college students believe that bystander intervention could prevent sexual assault, but less than half have been trained to intervene

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70. About 80% of survivors of campus sexual assault who seek counseling find it beneficial in coping with the trauma

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73. Higher levels of sexual assault awareness are associated with lower prevalence rates, showing the importance of education

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25. Only 12% of campuses have comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs, according to federal data

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37. College campuses with integrated prevention programs saw a reduction in sexual violence incidents by up to 23%

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48. The presence of comprehensive sexual assault policies reduces the prevalence rate among students by roughly 20%

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52. Only 11% of campuses have dedicated resources such as full-time victim advocates for addressing sexual assault

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71. Only 9% of college campuses have dedicated staff specifically trained in handling sexual assault cases, indicating resource gaps

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72. 65% of college students agree that their campus needs to do more to prevent sexual violence, according to surveys

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1. Approximately 23.1% of female undergraduate students experience sexual assault on college campuses during their time in school

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2. An estimated 10-15% of college women have experienced completed or attempted sexual assault during college

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4. About 1 in 5 women on college campuses has been sexually assaulted

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6. Men experience sexual assault at a rate of approximately 1 in 71 on college campuses

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8. About 21% of college women have experienced sexual coercion

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9. Over 90% of college victims of sexual assault know their attacker

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11. The prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses is highest during the fall semester

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12. Approximately 18% of college students reported experiencing sexual harassment in the past year

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15. The majority of perpetrators of sexual assault in college are fellow students, accounting for roughly 75% of cases

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17. Up to 70% of sexual assault incidents on college campuses involve alcohol consumption by either the victim or the perpetrator

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18. About 12% of college women say they have been too intoxicated to consent during an incident of sexual assault

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21. Approximately 50% of sexual assault victims in college experience symptoms of PTSD

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28. Nearly 80% of college sexual violence victims report experiencing repeated incidents

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29. Less than 2% of college sexual assault reports result in a conviction

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30. About 29% of college women who experience sexual assault are assaulted more than once

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33. Nearly 40% of sexual assaults involve an victim under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack

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39. About 40% of perpetrators are acquaintances or friends of the victim, not strangers, on college campuses

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42. The incidence of sexual assault among college males is significantly underreported, with estimates suggesting actual rates are higher than recorded

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44. Approximately 2% of male students report being sexually assaulted during college, though actual numbers may be higher

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49. Research indicates that survivors of sexual assault often experience academic difficulties, including lower GPA and higher dropout rates, with up to 25% reporting such impacts

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50. The majority of college sexual assault perpetrators are male, accounting for approximately 90% of reported cases

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53. Nearly 60% of sexual assault survivors in college experience symptoms of depression or anxiety following the incident

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56. Nearly 73% of college women believe that sexual assault is a serious issue on their campus but feel the response from university administration is inadequate

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57. The risk of sexual assault on college campuses increases with the size of the institution, with larger schools reporting higher incidents

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64. Approximately 50% of college students aged 18-24 have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including sexual violence, during their lifetime

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74. Approximately 70% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend or classmate, on college campuses

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75. Longitudinal studies suggest that targeted prevention programs can reduce the incidence of sexual assault by as much as 25% over several years

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3. Less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement in college settings

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10. Only around 8% of college sexual assault cases are reported to authorities

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13. Nearly 60% of college sexual assault victims do not report the incident to campus authorities

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19. Only 14% of college sexual assault victims seek medical attention after the incident

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22. 70% of college sexual assault survivors do not disclose the assault to anyone for fear of retaliation or stigma

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23. The Clery Act requires colleges receiving federal funding to report campus sexual assault cases; however, underreporting remains a major issue

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35. Less than 50% of college victims seek counseling after experiencing sexual assault

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36. Approximately 70% of sexual assault victims in college do not report the incident due to fear of disbelief or social stigma

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40. Less than 8% of college sexual assault cases result in criminal prosecution, highlighting the challenges of legal pursuit

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41. Only 12% of victims report their assault to campus authorities, often due to distrust or fear of not being taken seriously

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46. About 85% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report to campus authorities but consider seeking help

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58. Approximately 70% of students who experience sexual assault do not report it due to fear of social repercussions

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62. Only 30% of college sexual assault perpetrators are identified and reported to authorities, indicating under-detection

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65. An estimated 85% of sexual assault victims in college do not disclose their experience to campus authorities, fearing disbelief or stigma

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66. The implementation of clear reporting procedures is associated with a 12% decrease in sexual assault cases on campuses, according to studies

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67. There is a statistically significant correlation between the availability of confidential reporting options and increased reporting rates among students

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5. Women of color are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault in college compared to white women

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7. College women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as those without disabilities

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14. College men between the ages of 18-24 are at an increased risk of perpetrating sexual assault

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16. 40% of college students regard alcohol as a factor in sexual assault incidents

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24. Research indicates that college students who binge drink are three times more likely to experience sexual assault

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26. The average age of college sexual assault victims is 19 years old

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31. 65% of college sexual assault victims report high levels of emotional distress following the incident

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32. Racial and ethnic minority students report higher rates of sexual violence compared to white students on college campuses

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38. Research suggests that students who experience sexual violence are more likely to drop out of college, with rates up to 28%

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45. Minority and LGBTQ+ students face higher risks of sexual assault in college environments, with disparities up to 20%

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55. In cases where the perpetrator is a fellow student, the recidivism rate can be as high as 30%, emphasizing the importance of intervention

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59. Victims of sexual assault are more likely to experience suicidal ideation, with estimates around 30% among survivors in college

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63. The prevalence of sexual harassment among college students is higher for LGBTQ+ individuals, with reports indicating up to 40% experience harassment

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69. Sexual assault rates among college athletes are nearly double those of non-athletes, according to recent data

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Key Highlights

1. Approximately 23.1% of female undergraduate students experience sexual assault on college campuses during their time in school
2. An estimated 10-15% of college women have experienced completed or attempted sexual assault during college
3. Less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement in college settings
4. About 1 in 5 women on college campuses has been sexually assaulted
5. Women of color are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault in college compared to white women
6. Men experience sexual assault at a rate of approximately 1 in 71 on college campuses
7. College women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as those without disabilities
8. About 21% of college women have experienced sexual coercion
9. Over 90% of college victims of sexual assault know their attacker
10. Only around 8% of college sexual assault cases are reported to authorities
11. The prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses is highest during the fall semester
12. Approximately 18% of college students reported experiencing sexual harassment in the past year
13. Nearly 60% of college sexual assault victims do not report the incident to campus authorities

Despite intense awareness campaigns, alarming statistics reveal that nearly one in five women and a significant portion of men experience sexual assault during college years, with underreporting and systemic failures leaving many victims unheard and unprotected.

Awareness, Education, and Prevention Programs

20. Bystander intervention programs have been shown to reduce sexual assault on college campuses by approximately 16%
27. Over 50% of college students are unaware of their rights or campus policies regarding sexual assault
34. Campus sexual assault prevention programs are most effective when they involve peer education, according to research
43. Nearly one-third of college women know someone who has been sexually assaulted, indicating widespread awareness and concern
47. Campus climate surveys reveal that approximately 55% of students believe sexual assault is a campus problem but feel the institution does not do enough to prevent it
54. About 15% of college students are unaware of their campus’s sexual assault reporting procedures, indicating gaps in knowledge
60. Education programs that include bystander intervention training can decrease sexual assault rates by approximately 20% on college campuses
61. Research indicates that sexual violence prevention programs are most effective when they are ongoing rather than one-time initiatives, with sustained programs reducing incidents by up to 25%
68. Over 60% of college students believe that bystander intervention could prevent sexual assault, but less than half have been trained to intervene
70. About 80% of survivors of campus sexual assault who seek counseling find it beneficial in coping with the trauma
73. Higher levels of sexual assault awareness are associated with lower prevalence rates, showing the importance of education

Awareness, Education, and Prevention Programs Interpretation

Despite evidence that ongoing peer-led bystander programs can cut sexual assault rates by a quarter, over half of college students remain unaware of their rights and campus policies, underscoring that knowledge alone isn’t enough without intervention, and that preventing campus sexual assault is a marathon, not a sprint.

Campus Policies and Prevention Measures

25. Only 12% of campuses have comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs, according to federal data
37. College campuses with integrated prevention programs saw a reduction in sexual violence incidents by up to 23%
48. The presence of comprehensive sexual assault policies reduces the prevalence rate among students by roughly 20%
52. Only 11% of campuses have dedicated resources such as full-time victim advocates for addressing sexual assault
71. Only 9% of college campuses have dedicated staff specifically trained in handling sexual assault cases, indicating resource gaps
72. 65% of college students agree that their campus needs to do more to prevent sexual violence, according to surveys

Campus Policies and Prevention Measures Interpretation

While a mere 12% of campuses boast comprehensive prevention programs and only 9% have trained staff, the fact that integrated efforts can reduce incidents by nearly a quarter underscores that investing in dedicated resources and policies isn’t just prudent—it's essential for genuinely transforming campus safety.

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Assaults

1. Approximately 23.1% of female undergraduate students experience sexual assault on college campuses during their time in school
2. An estimated 10-15% of college women have experienced completed or attempted sexual assault during college
4. About 1 in 5 women on college campuses has been sexually assaulted
6. Men experience sexual assault at a rate of approximately 1 in 71 on college campuses
8. About 21% of college women have experienced sexual coercion
9. Over 90% of college victims of sexual assault know their attacker
11. The prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses is highest during the fall semester
12. Approximately 18% of college students reported experiencing sexual harassment in the past year
15. The majority of perpetrators of sexual assault in college are fellow students, accounting for roughly 75% of cases
17. Up to 70% of sexual assault incidents on college campuses involve alcohol consumption by either the victim or the perpetrator
18. About 12% of college women say they have been too intoxicated to consent during an incident of sexual assault
21. Approximately 50% of sexual assault victims in college experience symptoms of PTSD
28. Nearly 80% of college sexual violence victims report experiencing repeated incidents
29. Less than 2% of college sexual assault reports result in a conviction
30. About 29% of college women who experience sexual assault are assaulted more than once
33. Nearly 40% of sexual assaults involve an victim under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack
39. About 40% of perpetrators are acquaintances or friends of the victim, not strangers, on college campuses
42. The incidence of sexual assault among college males is significantly underreported, with estimates suggesting actual rates are higher than recorded
44. Approximately 2% of male students report being sexually assaulted during college, though actual numbers may be higher
49. Research indicates that survivors of sexual assault often experience academic difficulties, including lower GPA and higher dropout rates, with up to 25% reporting such impacts
50. The majority of college sexual assault perpetrators are male, accounting for approximately 90% of reported cases
53. Nearly 60% of sexual assault survivors in college experience symptoms of depression or anxiety following the incident
56. Nearly 73% of college women believe that sexual assault is a serious issue on their campus but feel the response from university administration is inadequate
57. The risk of sexual assault on college campuses increases with the size of the institution, with larger schools reporting higher incidents
64. Approximately 50% of college students aged 18-24 have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including sexual violence, during their lifetime
74. Approximately 70% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend or classmate, on college campuses
75. Longitudinal studies suggest that targeted prevention programs can reduce the incidence of sexual assault by as much as 25% over several years

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Assaults Interpretation

Despite nearly 80% of victims experiencing repeated incidents and only 2% of reports resulting in convictions, the staggering prevalence—where 1 in 5 women and even more men facing underreported assaults—reveals that campus sexual violence is less an anomaly and more an epidemic that demands urgent, comprehensive action beyond just statistics.

Reporting and Disclosure Patterns

3. Less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement in college settings
10. Only around 8% of college sexual assault cases are reported to authorities
13. Nearly 60% of college sexual assault victims do not report the incident to campus authorities
19. Only 14% of college sexual assault victims seek medical attention after the incident
22. 70% of college sexual assault survivors do not disclose the assault to anyone for fear of retaliation or stigma
23. The Clery Act requires colleges receiving federal funding to report campus sexual assault cases; however, underreporting remains a major issue
35. Less than 50% of college victims seek counseling after experiencing sexual assault
36. Approximately 70% of sexual assault victims in college do not report the incident due to fear of disbelief or social stigma
40. Less than 8% of college sexual assault cases result in criminal prosecution, highlighting the challenges of legal pursuit
41. Only 12% of victims report their assault to campus authorities, often due to distrust or fear of not being taken seriously
46. About 85% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report to campus authorities but consider seeking help
58. Approximately 70% of students who experience sexual assault do not report it due to fear of social repercussions
62. Only 30% of college sexual assault perpetrators are identified and reported to authorities, indicating under-detection
65. An estimated 85% of sexual assault victims in college do not disclose their experience to campus authorities, fearing disbelief or stigma
66. The implementation of clear reporting procedures is associated with a 12% decrease in sexual assault cases on campuses, according to studies
67. There is a statistically significant correlation between the availability of confidential reporting options and increased reporting rates among students

Reporting and Disclosure Patterns Interpretation

Despite the stark reality that over 85% of college sexual assault victims choose silence due to fear of disbelief and social stigma, implementing confidential reporting procedures can help transform these whispers into justice, underscoring the urgent need for campuses to foster trust and transparency.

Risk Factors and Demographic Disparities

5. Women of color are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault in college compared to white women
7. College women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as those without disabilities
14. College men between the ages of 18-24 are at an increased risk of perpetrating sexual assault
16. 40% of college students regard alcohol as a factor in sexual assault incidents
24. Research indicates that college students who binge drink are three times more likely to experience sexual assault
26. The average age of college sexual assault victims is 19 years old
31. 65% of college sexual assault victims report high levels of emotional distress following the incident
32. Racial and ethnic minority students report higher rates of sexual violence compared to white students on college campuses
38. Research suggests that students who experience sexual violence are more likely to drop out of college, with rates up to 28%
45. Minority and LGBTQ+ students face higher risks of sexual assault in college environments, with disparities up to 20%
55. In cases where the perpetrator is a fellow student, the recidivism rate can be as high as 30%, emphasizing the importance of intervention
59. Victims of sexual assault are more likely to experience suicidal ideation, with estimates around 30% among survivors in college
63. The prevalence of sexual harassment among college students is higher for LGBTQ+ individuals, with reports indicating up to 40% experience harassment
69. Sexual assault rates among college athletes are nearly double those of non-athletes, according to recent data

Risk Factors and Demographic Disparities Interpretation

These statistics starkly illuminate that college sexual assault is a pervasive and multifaceted crisis—disproportionately affecting women of color, students with disabilities, and marginalized groups, often intertwined with alcohol use and peer environments, with devastating emotional and academic consequences that demand urgent, targeted intervention.