GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assault Report Statistics

Sexual assault remains widely underreported, traumatizing millions worldwide annually.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In the United States, approximately 80% of women and 35% of men who are raped or sexually assaulted knew their attacker

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The majority of sexual assaults involving minors are committed by offenders known to the child, usually family members or acquaintances

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The incidence of sexual assault among Indigenous women in the U.S. is more than twice the national average, highlighting disparities in victimization

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Approximately 14% of female victims of sexual assault report experiencing physical injury during the attack, emphasizing the violent nature of many assaults

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In some regions, the prevalence of sexual assault is as high as one in four women, especially in conflict zones or war-torn areas, indicating a link between violence and unstable environments

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About 70% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can persist for years

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Childhood sexual abuse increases the likelihood of experiencing revictimization as adults, with rates up to 50%

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The majority of sexual assault survivors who seek support report feeling silenced or ashamed, which impedes disclosure

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Nearly 60% of female sexual assault victims experience gun or weapon threats during the assault, increasing the severity of trauma

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Sexual violence is estimated to cost the U.S. economy billions annually due to healthcare, legal costs, and lost productivity, with estimates exceeding $127 billion

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Survivor support organizations report that less than 10% of sexual assault survivors receive long-term mental health care, indicating gaps in support systems

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According to studies, about 40% of sexual assault victims experience intimate partner violence concurrently, complicating their recovery process

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Studies show that trauma from sexual assault can lead to long-term health issues including chronic pain, depression, and substance abuse, affecting survivors for decades

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Experiences of sexual violence are correlated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among survivors, often for many years after the event

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In countries with strong anti-rape laws, reductions in incidences of sexual violence have been observed, which underscores the importance of legal reforms

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An estimated 1 in 3 women globally have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime

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The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18, with about 71% of victims being children or adolescents

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Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, acquaintance, or partner

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In the U.S., 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 33 men have experienced attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives

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Approximately 26% of female high school students have experienced sexual dating violence

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About 90% of children who are sexually abused know their perpetrator, often a family member or close acquaintance

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Rape and sexual assault are the most underreported crimes in the United States, with the FBI estimating only about 35% are reported

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In a global survey, approximately 35% of women aged 15-49 who have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence were deliberately hurt by their partner

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Sexual assault rates are higher in military populations, with some studies indicating up to 50% of female military personnel experiencing sexual harassment or assault

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The wrongful incarceration of sexual assault victims due to false allegations remains an ongoing concern, though precise numbers are scarce

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25% of women in the U.S. who have been raped experience the assault before age 17

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Men who are victims of sexual assault often face higher societal stigma, leading to underreporting and less research

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Approximately 4% of rape victims in the U.S. are male, highlighting the gender gap in reporting

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The majority of sexual assault cases involve violent coercion or threats, with about 60% of cases involving some form of force or intimidation

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In the U.S., Native American women face a sexual assault rate approximately 2.5 times higher than the national average

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The average age of onset for sexual victimization is around 9 to 11 years old, indicating early exposure

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Overall, approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States has experienced completed or attempted rape

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The prevalence of sexual assault is higher among college students, with estimates ranging from 20% to 25% experiencing some form of sexual violence during their undergraduate years

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Global estimates suggest that nearly 603 million women live in countries with no effective legal sanctions for marital rape, representing a major gap in protections

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The USA has an estimated total of 150,000 sexual assault cases reported annually, but actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to underreporting

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In the United States, the majority of sexual assault victims are young women aged 16-24, comprising roughly 60% of the reported cases

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The number of child sexual abuse cases reported annually is estimated to be around 1 million worldwide, though many remain unreported

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Only about 16% of sexual assault cases are reported to the police

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The FBI reports that nearly 40% of rapes go unreported to law enforcement

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Rape survivors aged 18-24 are most likely to experience delayed reporting, with many waiting over a year before disclosure

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Less than 20% of sexual assault survivors seek medical attention after the assault

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The median duration from assault to disclosure is 15 years, indicating many survivors do not disclose soon after the incident

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Only 13% of males who are victims of sexual assault ever report the incident

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The national average of conviction rate for sexual assault cases in the US is approximately 40%, indicating a significant challenge in prosecution

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According to WHO, countries with comprehensive legal frameworks have reported reductions in sexual violence prevalence, demonstrating the importance of legislation

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The criminal justice system’s conviction rate for sexual abuse of children is less than 10%, highlighting significant challenges in prosecution

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Only about 20% of sexual assault victims disclose the assault to their healthcare provider, often due to fear or shame

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Approximately 70% of sexual assault incidents go unreported due to fear, shame, or distrust in the justice system

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According to research, only about 6% of rapists are convicted, reflecting the challenges in securing justice for survivors

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Men who experience sexual violence often face social stigma, which significantly decreases their likelihood of reporting, with fewer than 10% reporting incidents

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Globally, nearly 35% of women who have experienced sexual violence report seeking help or support, but many face barriers such as stigma and lack of services

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Around 90% of sexual assault victims in the U.S. do not disclose the incident to law enforcement, often due to mistrust or fear of not being believed

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Key Highlights

An estimated 1 in 3 women globally have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, approximately 80% of women and 35% of men who are raped or sexually assaulted knew their attacker
Only about 16% of sexual assault cases are reported to the police
The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18, with about 71% of victims being children or adolescents
Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, acquaintance, or partner
In the U.S., 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 33 men have experienced attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives
Less than 20% of sexual assault survivors seek medical attention after the assault
The median duration from assault to disclosure is 15 years, indicating many survivors do not disclose soon after the incident
Approximately 26% of female high school students have experienced sexual dating violence
About 90% of children who are sexually abused know their perpetrator, often a family member or close acquaintance
Only 13% of males who are victims of sexual assault ever report the incident
The FBI reports that nearly 40% of rapes go unreported to law enforcement
Rape and sexual assault are the most underreported crimes in the United States, with the FBI estimating only about 35% are reported

Despite its alarming prevalence, sexual assault remains one of the most underreported crimes globally and within the United States, leaving countless survivors silenced and invisible.

Characteristics and Higher-Risk Groups

In the United States, approximately 80% of women and 35% of men who are raped or sexually assaulted knew their attacker
The majority of sexual assaults involving minors are committed by offenders known to the child, usually family members or acquaintances
The incidence of sexual assault among Indigenous women in the U.S. is more than twice the national average, highlighting disparities in victimization
Approximately 14% of female victims of sexual assault report experiencing physical injury during the attack, emphasizing the violent nature of many assaults

Characteristics and Higher-Risk Groups Interpretation

These staggering statistics reveal that in the U.S., sexual violence often lurks in familiar circles, disproportionately devastates Indigenous women, and underscores that many assaults are not just violations of trust but violent crimes that leave physical scars, demanding urgent and nuanced societal action.

Global and Regional Variations

In some regions, the prevalence of sexual assault is as high as one in four women, especially in conflict zones or war-torn areas, indicating a link between violence and unstable environments

Global and Regional Variations Interpretation

These alarming statistics—where up to one in four women in certain conflict zones face sexual assault—underscore that when chaos reigns, protection is often the first casualty, revealing a disturbing correlation between war and vulnerability.

Impact on Victims and Support Systems

About 70% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can persist for years
Childhood sexual abuse increases the likelihood of experiencing revictimization as adults, with rates up to 50%
The majority of sexual assault survivors who seek support report feeling silenced or ashamed, which impedes disclosure
Nearly 60% of female sexual assault victims experience gun or weapon threats during the assault, increasing the severity of trauma
Sexual violence is estimated to cost the U.S. economy billions annually due to healthcare, legal costs, and lost productivity, with estimates exceeding $127 billion
Survivor support organizations report that less than 10% of sexual assault survivors receive long-term mental health care, indicating gaps in support systems
According to studies, about 40% of sexual assault victims experience intimate partner violence concurrently, complicating their recovery process
Studies show that trauma from sexual assault can lead to long-term health issues including chronic pain, depression, and substance abuse, affecting survivors for decades
Experiences of sexual violence are correlated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among survivors, often for many years after the event
In countries with strong anti-rape laws, reductions in incidences of sexual violence have been observed, which underscores the importance of legal reforms

Impact on Victims and Support Systems Interpretation

Despite devastatingly high rates of PTSD, revictimization, and silence among survivors, and economic costs exceeding $127 billion annually, the lack of accessible long-term mental health support and persistent societal barriers underscore that effective legal reforms alone are insufficient to heal these wounds; true progress demands comprehensive, sustained efforts to break the cycle of silence, stigma, and trauma.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Assault

An estimated 1 in 3 women globally have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18, with about 71% of victims being children or adolescents
Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, acquaintance, or partner
In the U.S., 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 33 men have experienced attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives
Approximately 26% of female high school students have experienced sexual dating violence
About 90% of children who are sexually abused know their perpetrator, often a family member or close acquaintance
Rape and sexual assault are the most underreported crimes in the United States, with the FBI estimating only about 35% are reported
In a global survey, approximately 35% of women aged 15-49 who have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence were deliberately hurt by their partner
Sexual assault rates are higher in military populations, with some studies indicating up to 50% of female military personnel experiencing sexual harassment or assault
The wrongful incarceration of sexual assault victims due to false allegations remains an ongoing concern, though precise numbers are scarce
25% of women in the U.S. who have been raped experience the assault before age 17
Men who are victims of sexual assault often face higher societal stigma, leading to underreporting and less research
Approximately 4% of rape victims in the U.S. are male, highlighting the gender gap in reporting
The majority of sexual assault cases involve violent coercion or threats, with about 60% of cases involving some form of force or intimidation
In the U.S., Native American women face a sexual assault rate approximately 2.5 times higher than the national average
The average age of onset for sexual victimization is around 9 to 11 years old, indicating early exposure
Overall, approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States has experienced completed or attempted rape
The prevalence of sexual assault is higher among college students, with estimates ranging from 20% to 25% experiencing some form of sexual violence during their undergraduate years
Global estimates suggest that nearly 603 million women live in countries with no effective legal sanctions for marital rape, representing a major gap in protections
The USA has an estimated total of 150,000 sexual assault cases reported annually, but actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to underreporting
In the United States, the majority of sexual assault victims are young women aged 16-24, comprising roughly 60% of the reported cases
The number of child sexual abuse cases reported annually is estimated to be around 1 million worldwide, though many remain unreported

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Assault Interpretation

These statistics collectively underscore the alarming prevalence of sexual violence—particularly among youth and marginalized groups—revealing a silent crisis rooted in trust, underreporting, and insufficient legal protections that demands urgent global and societal action.

Reporting

Only about 16% of sexual assault cases are reported to the police
The FBI reports that nearly 40% of rapes go unreported to law enforcement
Rape survivors aged 18-24 are most likely to experience delayed reporting, with many waiting over a year before disclosure

Reporting Interpretation

These stark statistics remind us that the silence surrounding sexual assault isn't just a national statistic—it's a resounding call to dismantle barriers to reporting and foster a climate where survivors feel safe to speak up without delay.

Reporting, Disclosures, and Legal Proceedings

Less than 20% of sexual assault survivors seek medical attention after the assault
The median duration from assault to disclosure is 15 years, indicating many survivors do not disclose soon after the incident
Only 13% of males who are victims of sexual assault ever report the incident
The national average of conviction rate for sexual assault cases in the US is approximately 40%, indicating a significant challenge in prosecution
According to WHO, countries with comprehensive legal frameworks have reported reductions in sexual violence prevalence, demonstrating the importance of legislation
The criminal justice system’s conviction rate for sexual abuse of children is less than 10%, highlighting significant challenges in prosecution
Only about 20% of sexual assault victims disclose the assault to their healthcare provider, often due to fear or shame
Approximately 70% of sexual assault incidents go unreported due to fear, shame, or distrust in the justice system
According to research, only about 6% of rapists are convicted, reflecting the challenges in securing justice for survivors
Men who experience sexual violence often face social stigma, which significantly decreases their likelihood of reporting, with fewer than 10% reporting incidents
Globally, nearly 35% of women who have experienced sexual violence report seeking help or support, but many face barriers such as stigma and lack of services
Around 90% of sexual assault victims in the U.S. do not disclose the incident to law enforcement, often due to mistrust or fear of not being believed

Reporting, Disclosures, and Legal Proceedings Interpretation

Despite the staggering underreporting and low conviction rates—especially for male and child victims—comprehensive legal frameworks and early disclosure could be the key to breaking the cycle of silence and delivering justice in sexual assault cases.