GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assault Women Statistics

Sexual assault severely impacts women's health, safety, and reporting worldwide.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

54% of women who experience sexual violence report subsequent adverse mental health issues, including depression and PTSD

Statistic 2

In the US, only about 15% of sexual assault victims receive any form of mental health treatment afterward

Statistic 3

College women who have experienced sexual assault are more likely to experience academic difficulties and drop out, impacting their educational attainment

Statistic 4

The economic burden of sexual violence in the US is estimated to be over $127 billion annually, including healthcare, legal, and lost productivity costs

Statistic 5

Women who have experienced sexual assault are at an increased risk for revictimization in the future, with some studies indicating a 2-3 times greater risk

Statistic 6

Survivors of sexual assault frequently experience a range of physical health issues, including sexually transmitted infections and gynecological problems, with some studies reporting a prevalence rate of 10-20%

Statistic 7

The implementation of bystander intervention programs in college campuses has been shown to decrease sexual assault rates by up to 40%

Statistic 8

Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to experience adult sexual assault compared to women without such history

Statistic 9

Sexual violence is a leading cause of injury among women worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease

Statistic 10

The use of trauma-informed care models can improve recovery outcomes for sexual assault survivors, with some programs reducing symptoms of PTSD by up to 60%

Statistic 11

Exposure to sexual violence significantly increases the risk of suicide in women, with some studies citing a 2 to 3-fold increase

Statistic 12

About 60% of women who have experienced sexual violence report at least one physical health consequence, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues

Statistic 13

In the workplace, sexual harassment affects approximately 25% of women during their careers, leading to mental health issues and job dissatisfaction

Statistic 14

The trauma from sexual assault can persist for decades, affecting survivors' mental and physical health well into old age

Statistic 15

Effective prevention programs in schools that teach consent and healthy relationships can reduce sexual assault prevalence among adolescents by up to 60%

Statistic 16

In some regions, less than 5% of perpetrators of sexual violence are ever prosecuted or convicted, highlighting enforcement gaps

Statistic 17

The presence of comprehensive sexual assault laws correlates with a reduction in assault rates, but enforcement remains inconsistent across jurisdictions

Statistic 18

The presence of cultural norms and stigma in some societies significantly impedes efforts to address and prevent sexual violence against women

Statistic 19

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

Statistic 20

In the United States, 81% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime

Statistic 21

Nearly 1 in 5 women in the US have been raped at some point in their lives

Statistic 22

Women aged 18-24 are the most likely age group to experience sexual assault, with 1 in 4 women in this age group affected

Statistic 23

In the US, women aged 18-34 are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with data indicating 1 in 6 women have been victims

Statistic 24

The average age of victims at first sexual assault is about 13 years old

Statistic 25

Among college students in the US, approximately 20% of women experience some form of sexual assault during their college years

Statistic 26

About 80% of women who experience sexual assault know their attacker, often an intimate partner or acquaintance

Statistic 27

The prevalence of sexual assault among transgender women is significantly higher, with estimates suggesting up to 50% having experienced some form of violence

Statistic 28

Women in military service are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as civilian women

Statistic 29

Nearly 75% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as an acquaintance, friend, or partner

Statistic 30

In the US, more than 90% of victims know their assailant, emphasizing the importance of addressing interpersonal dynamics

Statistic 31

Research indicates that alcohol and drug use significantly increase the risk of sexual assault among women, with substances involved in approximately 50% of cases

Statistic 32

The prevalence of sexual violence among adolescent girls aged 15-19 is approximately 1 in 6 globally

Statistic 33

The rate of sexual violence on college campuses varies by country, with reported ranges from 10% to over 30% among female students

Statistic 34

Women living in conflict zones are at a particularly high risk, with some estimates suggesting that up to 50% of women report experiencing sexual violence

Statistic 35

Men and boys also experience sexual violence, but women and girls are disproportionately affected, representing about 80% of victims globally

Statistic 36

The majority of sexual assault cases involve some level of coercion, ranging from verbal threats to physical force, with 75% of victims citing coercion as contributing factor

Statistic 37

Women with higher education levels are slightly less likely to experience sexual assault, but disparities persist based on socioeconomic status and other factors

Statistic 38

Only 10% of sexual assault victims are believed when they report their assault

Statistic 39

Only 35% of sexual assaults are reported to police, indicating significant underreporting

Statistic 40

Community and peer support programs have been shown to increase reporting rates of sexual assault and improve survivor recovery, with some programs seeing up to a 50% increase in disclosures

Statistic 41

The majority of sexual violence cases go unreported in the military, with estimates that only 1 in 10 incidents are ever officially reported

Statistic 42

Globally, about 35% of women aged 15-49 who have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence have never told anyone

Statistic 43

The majority of sexual assault survivors (around 70%) do not report the assault due to shame, fear, or belief that no one will believe them

Statistic 44

Approximately 90% of sexual violence victims in developing countries do not seek medical care following an assault, due to stigma or lack of access

Statistic 45

In a global survey, 67% of women who experienced sexual violence cited shame and fear as major barriers to reporting

Statistic 46

Among women who experience sexual violence, nearly 70% do not disclose the incident to law enforcement or healthcare providers, due to fear or shame

Statistic 47

Women with disabilities are 2.9 times more likely to experience sexual violence than women without disabilities

Statistic 48

Women of color are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of sexual assault compared to white women

Statistic 49

The risk of sexual assault for women increases significantly in overcrowded or transient settings, such as refugee camps or detention centers

Statistic 50

In the US, Native American women face a rate of sexual violence that is over 2.5 times higher than the national average

Statistic 51

The intersectionality of race, class, and gender significantly influences the prevalence and reporting of sexual assault among women, with marginalized groups facing greater barriers

Statistic 52

Women in rural areas often face greater barriers to accessing services for sexual assault survivors, including lack of transportation, privacy concerns, and limited legal resources

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, 81% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime
Nearly 1 in 5 women in the US have been raped at some point in their lives
Globally, about 35% of women aged 15-49 who have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence have never told anyone
Women aged 18-24 are the most likely age group to experience sexual assault, with 1 in 4 women in this age group affected
In the US, women aged 18-34 are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with data indicating 1 in 6 women have been victims
Only 10% of sexual assault victims are believed when they report their assault
The average age of victims at first sexual assault is about 13 years old
Women with disabilities are 2.9 times more likely to experience sexual violence than women without disabilities
Among college students in the US, approximately 20% of women experience some form of sexual assault during their college years
About 80% of women who experience sexual assault know their attacker, often an intimate partner or acquaintance
Only 35% of sexual assaults are reported to police, indicating significant underreporting
The majority of sexual assault survivors (around 70%) do not report the assault due to shame, fear, or belief that no one will believe them

Despite global efforts and growing awareness, shocking statistics reveal that nearly one in three women worldwide have endured sexual or physical violence, yet countless suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, and systemic barriers.

Impact, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies

54% of women who experience sexual violence report subsequent adverse mental health issues, including depression and PTSD
In the US, only about 15% of sexual assault victims receive any form of mental health treatment afterward
College women who have experienced sexual assault are more likely to experience academic difficulties and drop out, impacting their educational attainment
The economic burden of sexual violence in the US is estimated to be over $127 billion annually, including healthcare, legal, and lost productivity costs
Women who have experienced sexual assault are at an increased risk for revictimization in the future, with some studies indicating a 2-3 times greater risk
Survivors of sexual assault frequently experience a range of physical health issues, including sexually transmitted infections and gynecological problems, with some studies reporting a prevalence rate of 10-20%
The implementation of bystander intervention programs in college campuses has been shown to decrease sexual assault rates by up to 40%
Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to experience adult sexual assault compared to women without such history
Sexual violence is a leading cause of injury among women worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease
The use of trauma-informed care models can improve recovery outcomes for sexual assault survivors, with some programs reducing symptoms of PTSD by up to 60%
Exposure to sexual violence significantly increases the risk of suicide in women, with some studies citing a 2 to 3-fold increase
About 60% of women who have experienced sexual violence report at least one physical health consequence, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues
In the workplace, sexual harassment affects approximately 25% of women during their careers, leading to mental health issues and job dissatisfaction
The trauma from sexual assault can persist for decades, affecting survivors' mental and physical health well into old age
Effective prevention programs in schools that teach consent and healthy relationships can reduce sexual assault prevalence among adolescents by up to 60%

Impact, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies Interpretation

Despite the staggering mental, physical, and economic tolls of sexual violence—costing over $127 billion annually and deeply affecting women's health and education—only a fraction receive adequate treatment, highlighting an urgent need for widespread prevention, trauma-informed care, and proactive intervention programs.

Legal and Cultural Factors Related to Sexual Violence

In some regions, less than 5% of perpetrators of sexual violence are ever prosecuted or convicted, highlighting enforcement gaps
The presence of comprehensive sexual assault laws correlates with a reduction in assault rates, but enforcement remains inconsistent across jurisdictions
The presence of cultural norms and stigma in some societies significantly impedes efforts to address and prevent sexual violence against women

Legal and Cultural Factors Related to Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite the existence of comprehensive laws, the grim reality remains that in some regions, fewer than 5% of sexual assault perpetrators face justice, as deep-rooted cultural stigma and enforcement gaps continue to severely undermine efforts to protect women from violence.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, 81% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime
Nearly 1 in 5 women in the US have been raped at some point in their lives
Women aged 18-24 are the most likely age group to experience sexual assault, with 1 in 4 women in this age group affected
In the US, women aged 18-34 are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with data indicating 1 in 6 women have been victims
The average age of victims at first sexual assault is about 13 years old
Among college students in the US, approximately 20% of women experience some form of sexual assault during their college years
About 80% of women who experience sexual assault know their attacker, often an intimate partner or acquaintance
The prevalence of sexual assault among transgender women is significantly higher, with estimates suggesting up to 50% having experienced some form of violence
Women in military service are twice as likely to experience sexual assault as civilian women
Nearly 75% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as an acquaintance, friend, or partner
In the US, more than 90% of victims know their assailant, emphasizing the importance of addressing interpersonal dynamics
Research indicates that alcohol and drug use significantly increase the risk of sexual assault among women, with substances involved in approximately 50% of cases
The prevalence of sexual violence among adolescent girls aged 15-19 is approximately 1 in 6 globally
The rate of sexual violence on college campuses varies by country, with reported ranges from 10% to over 30% among female students
Women living in conflict zones are at a particularly high risk, with some estimates suggesting that up to 50% of women report experiencing sexual violence
Men and boys also experience sexual violence, but women and girls are disproportionately affected, representing about 80% of victims globally
The majority of sexual assault cases involve some level of coercion, ranging from verbal threats to physical force, with 75% of victims citing coercion as contributing factor
Women with higher education levels are slightly less likely to experience sexual assault, but disparities persist based on socioeconomic status and other factors

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite widespread awareness, the staggering reality that approximately one in three women worldwide and over 80% of U.S. women endure some form of sexual violence underscores a broken social contract where familiarity often breeds danger rather than safety.

Reporting

Only 10% of sexual assault victims are believed when they report their assault
Only 35% of sexual assaults are reported to police, indicating significant underreporting
Community and peer support programs have been shown to increase reporting rates of sexual assault and improve survivor recovery, with some programs seeing up to a 50% increase in disclosures
The majority of sexual violence cases go unreported in the military, with estimates that only 1 in 10 incidents are ever officially reported

Reporting Interpretation

With only one in ten assaults reported and a mere 10% of victims believed, it’s clear that our silence around sexual violence not only fuels underreporting but also shrouds survivors in a culture of disbelief, highlighting the urgent need for supportive communities and robust accountability measures.

Reporting, Recognition, and Support Systems

Globally, about 35% of women aged 15-49 who have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence have never told anyone
The majority of sexual assault survivors (around 70%) do not report the assault due to shame, fear, or belief that no one will believe them
Approximately 90% of sexual violence victims in developing countries do not seek medical care following an assault, due to stigma or lack of access
In a global survey, 67% of women who experienced sexual violence cited shame and fear as major barriers to reporting
Among women who experience sexual violence, nearly 70% do not disclose the incident to law enforcement or healthcare providers, due to fear or shame

Reporting, Recognition, and Support Systems Interpretation

Despite the staggering prevalence of sexual violence against women worldwide, with over a third never disclosing their trauma and nearly 70% remaining silent out of shame or fear, the silence perpetuates a global epidemic of unacknowledged suffering that demands urgent dismantling of stigma and increased access to justice.

Specific Populations Affected by Sexual Violence

Women with disabilities are 2.9 times more likely to experience sexual violence than women without disabilities
Women of color are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of sexual assault compared to white women
The risk of sexual assault for women increases significantly in overcrowded or transient settings, such as refugee camps or detention centers
In the US, Native American women face a rate of sexual violence that is over 2.5 times higher than the national average
The intersectionality of race, class, and gender significantly influences the prevalence and reporting of sexual assault among women, with marginalized groups facing greater barriers
Women in rural areas often face greater barriers to accessing services for sexual assault survivors, including lack of transportation, privacy concerns, and limited legal resources

Specific Populations Affected by Sexual Violence Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal that vulnerability to sexual violence among women is profoundly shaped by intersecting factors like disability, race, and geography, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted, intersectional solutions to protect the most marginalized.