GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Assult Statistics

Sexual assault affects millions worldwide, with underreporting and systemic barriers remains.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The majority of sexual assault victims are young women aged 16-24, accounting for nearly 50% of reported cases in some regions

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The median age of victims of sexual violence is approximately 15 years old in many regions, highlighting the prevalence among minors

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Studies show that less than 2% of sexual assault perpetrators are convicted, highlighting significant challenges in prosecution and conviction

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The economic cost of sexual violence globally is estimated to be over $150 billion annually in healthcare, legal aid, and lost productivity

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The impact of sexual assault can lead to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety in over 80% of victims

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Between 10-15% of sexual assault victims in some studies report physical injury as a consequence, which can include bruises, fractures, or other trauma

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Research suggests that women who experience childhood sexual abuse are at increased risk of revictimization in adult relationships, with some estimates stating up to 30%

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

Statistic 9

In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime

Statistic 10

In the UK, approximately 2.3% of women aged 16-59 have experienced some form of sexual assault since the age of 16

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Child sexual abuse affects an estimated 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally

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An estimated 90% of sexual assault victims know their attacker, either as an acquaintance, partner, or family member

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Women aged 15-19 are twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to women aged 50 and older

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Among college students in the US, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience attempted or completed sexual assault during their college years

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Nearly 1 in 4 girls in the US has been sexually abused before age 18, often by someone they knew

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In South Africa, an estimated 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives

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Approximately 40% of sexual violence incidents involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both

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About 80% of child sexual abuse cases are committed by someone the child or family member knows personally

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The rate of reported sexual assault incidents in prisons is significantly higher than in the general population, with estimates showing up to 3.3% of inmates experiencing sexual victimization annually

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In Canada, approximately 38% of sexual assaults involve victims under the age of 16

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The prevalence of sexual violence among LGBTQ+ individuals is higher than among heterosexuals, with some studies indicating up to 44% of transgender people have experienced lifetime sexual assault

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Nearly 60% of women who experience intimate partner violence also report sexual violence within their relationship

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In Finland, 53% of women and 18% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment since the age of 15

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In the US, African Americans and Native Americans have disproportionately higher rates of sexual victimization compared to other racial groups, with some studies indicating nearly double the national average

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About 53% of female rape victims are between the ages of 16 and 24 at the time of assault, emphasizing vulnerability of young women

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In the European Union, approximately 32% of women aged 16-74 have experienced psychological abuse, which often accompanies sexual violence

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The incidence of sexual violence tends to increase during humanitarian crises and armed conflicts, with some reports indicating a rise of up to 50%

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Approximately 25% of transgender individuals have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives, often facing higher risks and barriers to justice

Statistic 29

The prevalence of campus sexual assault in the US among female students is estimated at 19%, with many cases going unreported

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The perpetrator’s use of coercion or threats is reported in over 60% of sexual violence cases, emphasizing the importance of addressing power dynamics

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In many countries, indigenous women experience sexual violence at rates two to three times higher than the national average, indicating significant disparities

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The average age of first sexual assault experience among women globally is approximately 16 years old, emphasizing the need for early prevention efforts

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The global incidence of sexual exploitation in humanitarian settings is estimated at over 15%, with many victims unable to access support services

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About 1.5 million new cases of sexual violence are estimated to occur each year worldwide, based on underreported data and prevalence estimates

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Public awareness campaigns and education programs have been shown to decrease acceptance of rape myths by up to 30%, thereby encouraging more reporting

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Research indicates that nearly 90% of sexual assault cases are preventable through community programs, education, and effective law enforcement

Statistic 37

Educational interventions in high schools that include consent and healthy relationships reduce sexual assault rates by approximately 20%, showing the importance of early education

Statistic 38

Around 82,000 cases of rape are reported annually in India, but the actual prevalence is believed to be much higher due to underreporting

Statistic 39

Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to police, often due to stigma or fear of reprisal

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Only about 6% of rapes reported in the US result in conviction, highlighting issues in justice system efficacy

Statistic 41

In Australia, 70% of sexual assault victims do not notify police, often citing fear or shame

Statistic 42

In some countries, as many as 70% of sexual assault cases are never reported to authorities, due to social stigma and lack of trust in the justice system

Statistic 43

Approximately 90% of sexual violence cases are underreported globally, largely due to cultural and systemic barriers

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The annual rate of sexual exploitation and trafficking cases reported worldwide is estimated at over 50,000 cases, with underreporting believed to be prevalent

Statistic 45

Approximately 45% of women who experience sexual violence report feeling no one believes them, which hampers reporting and justice

Statistic 46

In Japan, the reporting rate for sexual assault is approximately 10%, with most cases going unreported due to societal stigma

Statistic 47

In Brazil, addtional data shows that aggressive crimes including sexual violence have increased by 20% over the past five years, with underreporting still a concern

Statistic 48

About 70% of sexual assault victims in the US do not report the crime due to fear of not being believed or shame

Statistic 49

In some countries, mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse cases have increased reporting rates, but also led to challenges such as secondary trauma for victims

Statistic 50

Less than 10% of sexual violence cases involving minors are reported to authorities, indicating significant underreporting in child sexual abuse cases

Statistic 51

A survey conducted in South Africa shows that over 80% of women do not report domestic or sexual violence due to fear of retaliation or social stigma

Statistic 52

Approximately 8% of sexual assault survivors in the US seek medical attention immediately following the incident, highlighting barriers to immediate care

Statistic 53

In many developing countries, fewer than 10% of sexual violence cases are ever reported to authorities, mainly due to fear, shame, and lack of trust

Statistic 54

In the US military, reports of sexual harassment and assault increased by 13% from previous years, with many cases likely underreported

Statistic 55

In certain countries, law reforms and stricter penalties have resulted in a temporary increase in reported cases, likely due to increased awareness

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime
Around 82,000 cases of rape are reported annually in India, but the actual prevalence is believed to be much higher due to underreporting
Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to police, often due to stigma or fear of reprisal
In the UK, approximately 2.3% of women aged 16-59 have experienced some form of sexual assault since the age of 16
Child sexual abuse affects an estimated 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally
The majority of sexual assault victims are young women aged 16-24, accounting for nearly 50% of reported cases in some regions
Only about 6% of rapes reported in the US result in conviction, highlighting issues in justice system efficacy
An estimated 90% of sexual assault victims know their attacker, either as an acquaintance, partner, or family member
Women aged 15-19 are twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to women aged 50 and older
In Australia, 70% of sexual assault victims do not notify police, often citing fear or shame
In some countries, as many as 70% of sexual assault cases are never reported to authorities, due to social stigma and lack of trust in the justice system
Among college students in the US, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience attempted or completed sexual assault during their college years

Despite millions of people worldwide enduring the devastating impacts of sexual assault every year, an alarming underreporting rate—often exceeding 80%—shields these crimes from justice and silences victims due to stigma, fear, and systemic barriers.

Demographic and Geographic Variations

The majority of sexual assault victims are young women aged 16-24, accounting for nearly 50% of reported cases in some regions
The median age of victims of sexual violence is approximately 15 years old in many regions, highlighting the prevalence among minors

Demographic and Geographic Variations Interpretation

These statistics starkly reveal that the most vulnerable victims of sexual assault are often teenagers, with nearly half being young women under 25 and many as young as 15, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and protection efforts.

Impact, Consequences, and Costs

Studies show that less than 2% of sexual assault perpetrators are convicted, highlighting significant challenges in prosecution and conviction
The economic cost of sexual violence globally is estimated to be over $150 billion annually in healthcare, legal aid, and lost productivity
The impact of sexual assault can lead to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety in over 80% of victims
Between 10-15% of sexual assault victims in some studies report physical injury as a consequence, which can include bruises, fractures, or other trauma
Research suggests that women who experience childhood sexual abuse are at increased risk of revictimization in adult relationships, with some estimates stating up to 30%

Impact, Consequences, and Costs Interpretation

Despite the staggering human and economic toll—with less than 2% of perpetrators convicted, over $150 billion annually in costs, and enduring mental health scars—our failure to adequately prosecute and prevent sexual assault reveals a society that continues to prioritize comfort over accountability.

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence

Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime
In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime
In the UK, approximately 2.3% of women aged 16-59 have experienced some form of sexual assault since the age of 16
Child sexual abuse affects an estimated 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally
An estimated 90% of sexual assault victims know their attacker, either as an acquaintance, partner, or family member
Women aged 15-19 are twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to women aged 50 and older
Among college students in the US, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience attempted or completed sexual assault during their college years
Nearly 1 in 4 girls in the US has been sexually abused before age 18, often by someone they knew
In South Africa, an estimated 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives
Approximately 40% of sexual violence incidents involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both
About 80% of child sexual abuse cases are committed by someone the child or family member knows personally
The rate of reported sexual assault incidents in prisons is significantly higher than in the general population, with estimates showing up to 3.3% of inmates experiencing sexual victimization annually
In Canada, approximately 38% of sexual assaults involve victims under the age of 16
The prevalence of sexual violence among LGBTQ+ individuals is higher than among heterosexuals, with some studies indicating up to 44% of transgender people have experienced lifetime sexual assault
Nearly 60% of women who experience intimate partner violence also report sexual violence within their relationship
In Finland, 53% of women and 18% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment since the age of 15
In the US, African Americans and Native Americans have disproportionately higher rates of sexual victimization compared to other racial groups, with some studies indicating nearly double the national average
About 53% of female rape victims are between the ages of 16 and 24 at the time of assault, emphasizing vulnerability of young women
In the European Union, approximately 32% of women aged 16-74 have experienced psychological abuse, which often accompanies sexual violence
The incidence of sexual violence tends to increase during humanitarian crises and armed conflicts, with some reports indicating a rise of up to 50%
Approximately 25% of transgender individuals have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives, often facing higher risks and barriers to justice
The prevalence of campus sexual assault in the US among female students is estimated at 19%, with many cases going unreported
The perpetrator’s use of coercion or threats is reported in over 60% of sexual violence cases, emphasizing the importance of addressing power dynamics
In many countries, indigenous women experience sexual violence at rates two to three times higher than the national average, indicating significant disparities
The average age of first sexual assault experience among women globally is approximately 16 years old, emphasizing the need for early prevention efforts
The global incidence of sexual exploitation in humanitarian settings is estimated at over 15%, with many victims unable to access support services
About 1.5 million new cases of sexual violence are estimated to occur each year worldwide, based on underreported data and prevalence estimates

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence Interpretation

With 1 in 3 women worldwide enduring violence and nearly 1.5 million new cases annually, it's clear that while progress has been made, society must confront the uncomfortable truth that sexual assault remains an insidious epidemic, often hiding in plain sight within trusted relationships and vulnerable communities.

Preventive Measures, Interventions, and Policy Responses

Public awareness campaigns and education programs have been shown to decrease acceptance of rape myths by up to 30%, thereby encouraging more reporting
Research indicates that nearly 90% of sexual assault cases are preventable through community programs, education, and effective law enforcement
Educational interventions in high schools that include consent and healthy relationships reduce sexual assault rates by approximately 20%, showing the importance of early education

Preventive Measures, Interventions, and Policy Responses Interpretation

While public awareness, community involvement, and school-based education have made significant strides—reducing rape myth acceptance, preventing most assaults, and fostering healthier relationships—ongoing investment and commitment are essential to turn these promising statistics into lasting cultural change.

Reporting and Underreporting Trends

Around 82,000 cases of rape are reported annually in India, but the actual prevalence is believed to be much higher due to underreporting
Nearly 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to police, often due to stigma or fear of reprisal
Only about 6% of rapes reported in the US result in conviction, highlighting issues in justice system efficacy
In Australia, 70% of sexual assault victims do not notify police, often citing fear or shame
In some countries, as many as 70% of sexual assault cases are never reported to authorities, due to social stigma and lack of trust in the justice system
Approximately 90% of sexual violence cases are underreported globally, largely due to cultural and systemic barriers
The annual rate of sexual exploitation and trafficking cases reported worldwide is estimated at over 50,000 cases, with underreporting believed to be prevalent
Approximately 45% of women who experience sexual violence report feeling no one believes them, which hampers reporting and justice
In Japan, the reporting rate for sexual assault is approximately 10%, with most cases going unreported due to societal stigma
In Brazil, addtional data shows that aggressive crimes including sexual violence have increased by 20% over the past five years, with underreporting still a concern
About 70% of sexual assault victims in the US do not report the crime due to fear of not being believed or shame
In some countries, mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse cases have increased reporting rates, but also led to challenges such as secondary trauma for victims
Less than 10% of sexual violence cases involving minors are reported to authorities, indicating significant underreporting in child sexual abuse cases
A survey conducted in South Africa shows that over 80% of women do not report domestic or sexual violence due to fear of retaliation or social stigma
Approximately 8% of sexual assault survivors in the US seek medical attention immediately following the incident, highlighting barriers to immediate care
In many developing countries, fewer than 10% of sexual violence cases are ever reported to authorities, mainly due to fear, shame, and lack of trust
In the US military, reports of sexual harassment and assault increased by 13% from previous years, with many cases likely underreported
In certain countries, law reforms and stricter penalties have resulted in a temporary increase in reported cases, likely due to increased awareness

Reporting and Underreporting Trends Interpretation

Despite widespread awareness campaigns and legal reforms, the staggering underreporting—ranging from 70% globally to as low as 10% in Japan—underscores that anguished silence and systemic barriers continue to inhibit justice for sexual assault victims worldwide.