GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assualt Statistics

Sexual assault affects one-third of women, mostly known offenders, often unreported.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The economic cost of sexual violence in the United States exceeds $127 billion annually

Statistic 2

Sexual violence costs the United States billions annually in healthcare, legal, and lost productivity costs, estimated at over $123 billion

Statistic 3

The median age of survivors of sexual assault is 16-17 years old

Statistic 4

Nearly 70% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Statistic 5

Survivors of sexual assault are at increased risk for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation

Statistic 6

Nearly 60% of sexual violence victims experience symptoms of depression, and 37% experience suicidal thoughts

Statistic 7

Over 85% of sexual assault survivors experience multiple types of victimization, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, over their lifetime

Statistic 8

Nearly 40% of sexual assault victims report symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, which can persist long after the incident

Statistic 9

About 70% of individuals who have experienced sexual violence report feelings of shame or self-blame, which hinders reporting and seeking help

Statistic 10

Exposure to sexual violence during childhood increases the likelihood of experiencing sexual victimization as an adult by up to 75%, according to longitudinal studies

Statistic 11

Around 81% of women and 90% of men who are raped or assaulted knew their attacker

Statistic 12

It is estimated that 54% of sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances

Statistic 13

The majority of sexual assault cases involve alcohol or drug use by the perpetrator and/or victim

Statistic 14

The majority of sexual assault perpetrators are male, accounting for about 98% of offenders

Statistic 15

Nearly 60% of female victims of sexual violence are assaulted by someone they know, not a stranger

Statistic 16

About 80% of juvenile victims who are sexually assaulted know their attacker, often a family member or someone in their community

Statistic 17

Approximately 91% of perpetrators of sexual violence against women are male, highlighting the gender disparity in offending

Statistic 18

Approximately 60% of perpetrators of sexual violence have a prior history of violence or criminal behavior, based on criminal justice data

Statistic 19

The majority of sexual assaults are committed in private spaces, such as homes or private residences, accounting for over 75% of incidents

Statistic 20

Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime

Statistic 21

63% of sexual assaults against females occur before the age of 18

Statistic 22

Black females are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of sexual violence compared to white females

Statistic 23

LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence compared to heterosexual individuals

Statistic 24

The most common form of sexual violence is fondling or unwanted touching

Statistic 25

About 80% of juvenile victims who are sexually assaulted know their attacker

Statistic 26

College students report that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience sexual assault during their time in college

Statistic 27

Women aged 18-24 are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 females in that age group

Statistic 28

45% of college women have experienced unwanted sexual contact or attempted sexual assault

Statistic 29

13.5% of high school students have experienced sexual contact without consent

Statistic 30

About 25% of sexual assault cases involve digital or online harassment or abuse

Statistic 31

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

Statistic 32

The prevalence of sexual violence among military personnel is higher than in the general population, with estimates around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men reporting incidents

Statistic 33

The majority of rapes occur in the evening or at night, with 73% reported to happen after 6 pm

Statistic 34

Black women are 2.7 times more likely to experience sexual violence compared to white women, according to CDC data

Statistic 35

The prevalence of sexual violence among college students is higher among women than men, with 19% of women and 4% of men reporting experiences of sexual assault or misconduct

Statistic 36

35% of women aged 18-24 have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault, often in educational or workplace settings

Statistic 37

Women aged 18-34 account for roughly half of all sexual assault victims, despite comprising a smaller portion of the population

Statistic 38

The prevalence of sexual violence among transgender individuals is significantly higher than among cisgender populations, with estimates indicating up to 47% of transgender people having experienced some form of sexual violence

Statistic 39

The average age at first experience of sexual assault for women is approximately 11-14 years old, highlighting early vulnerability

Statistic 40

Schools that implement comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs see a reduction in incidents by over 25%, according to research

Statistic 41

The rate of sexual victimization among American Indians and Alaska Natives is more than twice the national average, with 4.4 per 1,000 persons

Statistic 42

About 15-20% of women in prison have experienced sexual violence while incarcerated, often perpetrated by staff or other inmates

Statistic 43

Only about 23% of sexual assaults are reported to police

Statistic 44

Approximately 60% of sexual assault victims do not report the incident due to fear, shame, or embarrassment

Statistic 45

Sexual assault is the most under-reported crime, with estimates that only 1 in 10 incidents are reported

Statistic 46

54% of women and 68% of men who experience sexual violence face significant barriers to seeking help, including fear of stigma

Statistic 47

Only about 11% of sexual assault reports lead to an arrest, and even fewer result in conviction

Statistic 48

The rate of reported sexual assault in healthcare settings is underreported, with estimates suggesting that approximately 70% of incidents go unreported

Statistic 49

Among college women who experience sexual assault, only about 20% report the incident to authorities or campus authorities

Statistic 50

The decline in reporting of sexual assault during the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns that incidents were going unnoticed, with some reports suggesting a decrease of up to 20% in reports during 2020

Statistic 51

The availability of crisis centers and support services significantly increases the likelihood that victims will seek help, with some studies showing a 40% increase in reporting when services are accessible

Slide 1 of 51

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime
Around 81% of women and 90% of men who are raped or assaulted knew their attacker
Only about 23% of sexual assaults are reported to police
It is estimated that 54% of sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances
The median age of survivors of sexual assault is 16-17 years old
63% of sexual assaults against females occur before the age of 18
Black females are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of sexual violence compared to white females
LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence compared to heterosexual individuals
The most common form of sexual violence is fondling or unwanted touching
Approximately 60% of sexual assault victims do not report the incident due to fear, shame, or embarrassment
Nearly 70% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
About 80% of juvenile victims who are sexually assaulted know their attacker
The majority of sexual assault cases involve alcohol or drug use by the perpetrator and/or victim

Despite the staggering prevalence and devastating impact of sexual assault—affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men, with most cases going unreported—this pervasive crime continues to be hidden behind stigma, fear, and silence, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and justice.

Economic and Societal Consequences

The economic cost of sexual violence in the United States exceeds $127 billion annually
Sexual violence costs the United States billions annually in healthcare, legal, and lost productivity costs, estimated at over $123 billion

Economic and Societal Consequences Interpretation

With annual costs surpassing $127 billion, sexual violence not only devastates lives but also quietly drains the nation’s economic vitality, revealing that in neglecting prevention, we're paying a hefty price in both human suffering and national prosperity.

Impact on Survivors and Vulnerable Populations

The median age of survivors of sexual assault is 16-17 years old
Nearly 70% of sexual assault survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Survivors of sexual assault are at increased risk for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
Nearly 60% of sexual violence victims experience symptoms of depression, and 37% experience suicidal thoughts
Over 85% of sexual assault survivors experience multiple types of victimization, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, over their lifetime
Nearly 40% of sexual assault victims report symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, which can persist long after the incident
About 70% of individuals who have experienced sexual violence report feelings of shame or self-blame, which hinders reporting and seeking help
Exposure to sexual violence during childhood increases the likelihood of experiencing sexual victimization as an adult by up to 75%, according to longitudinal studies

Impact on Survivors and Vulnerable Populations Interpretation

These harrowing statistics highlight a devastating cycle of trauma that often begins in adolescence, with profound mental health consequences and persistent victimization—underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention, support, and accountability.

Perpetrators and Context of Offenses

Around 81% of women and 90% of men who are raped or assaulted knew their attacker
It is estimated that 54% of sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances
The majority of sexual assault cases involve alcohol or drug use by the perpetrator and/or victim
The majority of sexual assault perpetrators are male, accounting for about 98% of offenders
Nearly 60% of female victims of sexual violence are assaulted by someone they know, not a stranger
About 80% of juvenile victims who are sexually assaulted know their attacker, often a family member or someone in their community
Approximately 91% of perpetrators of sexual violence against women are male, highlighting the gender disparity in offending
Approximately 60% of perpetrators of sexual violence have a prior history of violence or criminal behavior, based on criminal justice data
The majority of sexual assaults are committed in private spaces, such as homes or private residences, accounting for over 75% of incidents

Perpetrators and Context of Offenses Interpretation

These sobering statistics reveal that sexual violence often lurks in familiar spaces and relationships, fueled by substance use and entrenched patterns of male perpetration, underscoring the urgent need for community accountability and proactive prevention.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence

Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime
63% of sexual assaults against females occur before the age of 18
Black females are 2.7 times more likely to be victims of sexual violence compared to white females
LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence compared to heterosexual individuals
The most common form of sexual violence is fondling or unwanted touching
About 80% of juvenile victims who are sexually assaulted know their attacker
College students report that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience sexual assault during their time in college
Women aged 18-24 are at the highest risk for sexual assault, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000 females in that age group
45% of college women have experienced unwanted sexual contact or attempted sexual assault
13.5% of high school students have experienced sexual contact without consent
About 25% of sexual assault cases involve digital or online harassment or abuse
Women with disabilities are more likely to experience sexual violence than women without disabilities
The prevalence of sexual violence among military personnel is higher than in the general population, with estimates around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men reporting incidents
The majority of rapes occur in the evening or at night, with 73% reported to happen after 6 pm
Black women are 2.7 times more likely to experience sexual violence compared to white women, according to CDC data
The prevalence of sexual violence among college students is higher among women than men, with 19% of women and 4% of men reporting experiences of sexual assault or misconduct
35% of women aged 18-24 have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault, often in educational or workplace settings
Women aged 18-34 account for roughly half of all sexual assault victims, despite comprising a smaller portion of the population
The prevalence of sexual violence among transgender individuals is significantly higher than among cisgender populations, with estimates indicating up to 47% of transgender people having experienced some form of sexual violence
The average age at first experience of sexual assault for women is approximately 11-14 years old, highlighting early vulnerability
Schools that implement comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs see a reduction in incidents by over 25%, according to research
The rate of sexual victimization among American Indians and Alaska Natives is more than twice the national average, with 4.4 per 1,000 persons
About 15-20% of women in prison have experienced sexual violence while incarcerated, often perpetrated by staff or other inmates

Prevalence and Demographics of Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite widespread awareness, the staggering statistics reveal that sexual violence remains a shadow lurking from childhood to adulthood, disproportionately impacting Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention, education, and justice reforms.

Reporting and Underreporting of Incidents

Only about 23% of sexual assaults are reported to police
Approximately 60% of sexual assault victims do not report the incident due to fear, shame, or embarrassment
Sexual assault is the most under-reported crime, with estimates that only 1 in 10 incidents are reported
54% of women and 68% of men who experience sexual violence face significant barriers to seeking help, including fear of stigma
Only about 11% of sexual assault reports lead to an arrest, and even fewer result in conviction
The rate of reported sexual assault in healthcare settings is underreported, with estimates suggesting that approximately 70% of incidents go unreported
Among college women who experience sexual assault, only about 20% report the incident to authorities or campus authorities
The decline in reporting of sexual assault during the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns that incidents were going unnoticed, with some reports suggesting a decrease of up to 20% in reports during 2020
The availability of crisis centers and support services significantly increases the likelihood that victims will seek help, with some studies showing a 40% increase in reporting when services are accessible

Reporting and Underreporting of Incidents Interpretation

Despite sexual assault being the most under-reported crime, with only about 1 in 10 incidents reaching authorities—a reality compounded by victims' fears and barriers—neither the low reporting rates nor the scant arrest and conviction figures truly reflect its prevalence, highlighting a grave disconnect between the silent suffering of victims and the justice system's response.