GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assault Statistics

Sexual assault affects millions worldwide, mostly involving known perpetrators and underreported.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Nearly 80% of women who are raped experience their first incident before age 25

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The average age of a victim of sexual assault is 16 years old

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Women aged 18-24 are most at risk of experiencing sexual violence, with prevalence rates significantly higher than other age groups

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82% of women and 35% of men who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to police

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Nearly 60% of sexual assaults involve victims who are under 18, indicating the vulnerability of minors

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Post-assault, over 90% of victims experience emotional reactions such as shock, fear, or shame

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More than 60% of sexual assault survivors experience some form of physical injury

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Victims of sexual assault are at increased risk for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with some studies indicating up to 70% prevalence

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Nearly 40% of sexual assault victims in college report feeling pressure to stay silent or conceal the assault

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Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to experience substance abuse issues, with estimates indicating up to 25% prevalence among survivors

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Victims of sexual assault often encounter barriers to justice, including trauma-related effects, stigma, and lack of evidence, leading to low conviction rates, with some jurisdictions reporting less than 15%

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Sexual assault victims often face social stigmas that inhibit reporting, with a majority fearing disbelief or shame, which contributes to underreporting

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Approximately 60% of women who experience sexual violence report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, significantly impacting their mental health

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Over 90% of sexual assault survivors do not seek counseling or medical treatment immediately after the incident, citing fear, shame, or lack of access

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Studies indicate that early interventions and support services significantly improve recovery outcomes for sexual assault survivors, though access remains inconsistent globally

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Sexual violence has lasting health impacts, including increased risk for HIV transmission, reproductive health issues, and chronic pain, affecting survivors' quality of life

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Approximately 25% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation following the incident, indicating severe mental health consequences

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Less than 1% of sexual assault perpetrators are incarcerated, according to national data on criminal justice outcomes

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The economic impact of sexual assault in terms of healthcare, legal, and personal costs is estimated at billions of dollars annually, though precise figures vary widely

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Across the globe, violence against women causes an estimated economic loss equal to 2% of the world’s annual gross domestic product

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In some regions, the legal process for sexual assault survivors can take several years, with only a small percentage resulting in conviction, often due to evidentiary or procedural challenges

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Approximately 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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In the United States, an estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives

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Less than half of sexual assault cases are reported to authorities, with reporting rates as low as 20-30%

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On college campuses in the U.S., 20-25% of women experience sexual assault during their college years

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

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In cases of sexual assault, approximately 90% of victims do not report the incident to authorities

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Men also experience sexual assault, constituting about 1 in 71 victims in the U.S.

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Around 60% of college women report having experienced unwanted sexual contact

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Sexual violence is most prevalent among marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, and persons with disabilities

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7 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, often an acquaintance or partner

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Only about 2% of sexual assault cases involving college students involve the use of weapons

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Approximately 1 in 4 college women report experiencing attempted or completed sexual assault during their college years

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Between 50-60% of sexual violence incidents involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both

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The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence in the military is estimated at about 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 50 men

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Child sexual abuse is estimated to affect 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally

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Only about 12% of child sexual abuse cases are reported to authorities, underscoring the underreporting issue

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The majority of sexual assault survivors know their attacker, with estimates ranging from 70-90%, depending on the population studied

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58% of assaults committed against women happen in private locations, such as homes or apartments

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Sexual assault reports are highest during summer months, particularly July and August, due to increased social activity

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Approximately 26% of gay men and 31% of bisexual men in the U.S. report experiencing sexual violence, compared to 17% of heterosexual men

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LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to their heterosexual peers

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The most common form of sexual assault among adolescents involves unwanted sexual touching or fondling, constituting about 70% of cases

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The prevalence of sexual assault among indigenous populations is significantly higher than national averages in many countries, including the U.S., where the rate is nearly twice as high

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Between 2010 and 2020, there was a significant increase in reported sexual assault cases in some countries, largely attributable to greater awareness and reporting campaigns

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The prevalence of sexual assault among incarcerated women is notably higher than among women in the general population, with estimates around 15-25%

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The global prevalence of child sexual abuse varies widely, but studies suggest around 16% of boys and 25% of girls experience some form of sexual abuse before age 18

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In the U.S., Native American women are victims of sexual violence at a rate more than twice the national average, highlighting significant disparities

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The majority of sexual assault cases involve personal relationships, with about 80% of perpetrators being acquaintances, friends, or partners of the victim

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Key Highlights

Approximately 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, an estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives
Nearly 80% of women who are raped experience their first incident before age 25
Less than half of sexual assault cases are reported to authorities, with reporting rates as low as 20-30%
The average age of a victim of sexual assault is 16 years old
On college campuses in the U.S., 20-25% of women experience sexual assault during their college years
Approximately 60% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, partner, or acquaintance
In cases of sexual assault, approximately 90% of victims do not report the incident to authorities
Women aged 18-24 are most at risk of experiencing sexual violence, with prevalence rates significantly higher than other age groups
Men also experience sexual assault, constituting about 1 in 71 victims in the U.S.
Around 60% of college women report having experienced unwanted sexual contact
82% of women and 35% of men who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to police
Sexual violence is most prevalent among marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, and persons with disabilities

One in three women worldwide have suffered physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner or stranger, revealing a staggering and often hidden crisis that demands urgent attention.

Gender and Age Disparities in Sexual Assault

Nearly 80% of women who are raped experience their first incident before age 25
The average age of a victim of sexual assault is 16 years old
Women aged 18-24 are most at risk of experiencing sexual violence, with prevalence rates significantly higher than other age groups
82% of women and 35% of men who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to police
Nearly 60% of sexual assaults involve victims who are under 18, indicating the vulnerability of minors

Gender and Age Disparities in Sexual Assault Interpretation

These stark statistics underscore a grim reality: while young women, particularly those under 25, bear the brunt of sexual violence—with the majority of assaults involving minors—yet silence and systemic gaps perpetuate this epidemic far beyond the reach of justice.

Impact on Victims and Health Consequences

Post-assault, over 90% of victims experience emotional reactions such as shock, fear, or shame
More than 60% of sexual assault survivors experience some form of physical injury
Victims of sexual assault are at increased risk for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with some studies indicating up to 70% prevalence
Nearly 40% of sexual assault victims in college report feeling pressure to stay silent or conceal the assault
Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to experience substance abuse issues, with estimates indicating up to 25% prevalence among survivors
Victims of sexual assault often encounter barriers to justice, including trauma-related effects, stigma, and lack of evidence, leading to low conviction rates, with some jurisdictions reporting less than 15%
Sexual assault victims often face social stigmas that inhibit reporting, with a majority fearing disbelief or shame, which contributes to underreporting
Approximately 60% of women who experience sexual violence report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, significantly impacting their mental health
Over 90% of sexual assault survivors do not seek counseling or medical treatment immediately after the incident, citing fear, shame, or lack of access
Studies indicate that early interventions and support services significantly improve recovery outcomes for sexual assault survivors, though access remains inconsistent globally
Sexual violence has lasting health impacts, including increased risk for HIV transmission, reproductive health issues, and chronic pain, affecting survivors' quality of life
Approximately 25% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation following the incident, indicating severe mental health consequences

Impact on Victims and Health Consequences Interpretation

Despite the staggering prevalence and profound impact of sexual assault—ranging from physical injuries and mental health crises to entrenched societal stigmas—the silent suffering persists, exposing a grim reality where fear, shame, and systemic barriers leave most survivors unseen, unheard, and in urgent need of comprehensive support and justice.

Legal, Social, and Economic Implications

Less than 1% of sexual assault perpetrators are incarcerated, according to national data on criminal justice outcomes
The economic impact of sexual assault in terms of healthcare, legal, and personal costs is estimated at billions of dollars annually, though precise figures vary widely
Across the globe, violence against women causes an estimated economic loss equal to 2% of the world’s annual gross domestic product
In some regions, the legal process for sexual assault survivors can take several years, with only a small percentage resulting in conviction, often due to evidentiary or procedural challenges

Legal, Social, and Economic Implications Interpretation

Despite the staggering societal and economic costs of sexual assault, less than 1% of perpetrators face imprisonment, highlighting a glaring disconnect between the true scope of the crisis and the justice served, and underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence

Approximately 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, an estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives
Less than half of sexual assault cases are reported to authorities, with reporting rates as low as 20-30%
On college campuses in the U.S., 20-25% of women experience sexual assault during their college years
Approximately 60% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, partner, or acquaintance
In cases of sexual assault, approximately 90% of victims do not report the incident to authorities
Men also experience sexual assault, constituting about 1 in 71 victims in the U.S.
Around 60% of college women report having experienced unwanted sexual contact
Sexual violence is most prevalent among marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, and persons with disabilities
7 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, often an acquaintance or partner
Only about 2% of sexual assault cases involving college students involve the use of weapons
Approximately 1 in 4 college women report experiencing attempted or completed sexual assault during their college years
Between 50-60% of sexual violence incidents involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both
The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence in the military is estimated at about 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 50 men
Child sexual abuse is estimated to affect 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally
Only about 12% of child sexual abuse cases are reported to authorities, underscoring the underreporting issue
The majority of sexual assault survivors know their attacker, with estimates ranging from 70-90%, depending on the population studied
58% of assaults committed against women happen in private locations, such as homes or apartments
Sexual assault reports are highest during summer months, particularly July and August, due to increased social activity
Approximately 26% of gay men and 31% of bisexual men in the U.S. report experiencing sexual violence, compared to 17% of heterosexual men
LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to their heterosexual peers
The most common form of sexual assault among adolescents involves unwanted sexual touching or fondling, constituting about 70% of cases
The prevalence of sexual assault among indigenous populations is significantly higher than national averages in many countries, including the U.S., where the rate is nearly twice as high
Between 2010 and 2020, there was a significant increase in reported sexual assault cases in some countries, largely attributable to greater awareness and reporting campaigns
The prevalence of sexual assault among incarcerated women is notably higher than among women in the general population, with estimates around 15-25%
The global prevalence of child sexual abuse varies widely, but studies suggest around 16% of boys and 25% of girls experience some form of sexual abuse before age 18
In the U.S., Native American women are victims of sexual violence at a rate more than twice the national average, highlighting significant disparities
The majority of sexual assault cases involve personal relationships, with about 80% of perpetrators being acquaintances, friends, or partners of the victim

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite the staggering statistics revealing that approximately one in three women worldwide and multiple marginalized groups are enduring pervasive sexual violence—often by someone known to them—underreporting remains a silent epidemic, emphasizing that until society recognizes and addresses these truths head-on, true safety and justice remain elusive.