GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sexual Violence Statistics

Sexual violence affects millions worldwide, remains underreported and causes long-term harm.

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 median age of victims of sexual abuse is 9 years old, according to global data

Statistic 2

The prevalence of sexual violence in university settings varies but can reach up to 20% among female students, depending on the region

Statistic 3

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

Statistic 4

Sexual violence increases the risk of HIV infection among women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, by 50%

Statistic 5

Women who experience sexual violence are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression

Statistic 6

60% of women who experience intimate partner violence face emotional or psychological abuse

Statistic 7

About 92% of child sexual abuse victims do not disclose abuse at the time it occurs

Statistic 8

Female victims of sexual violence are five times more likely to experience depression compared to those who have not experienced violence

Statistic 9

In many countries, less than 20% of sexual violence victims receive any form of counseling or medical assistance

Statistic 10

In the United States, about 90% of women murdered by an intimate partner were victims of domestic violence, many of whom faced prior abuse

Statistic 11

Girls who experience sexual violence are at increased risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviors later in life, including multiple partnerships and unprotected sex

Statistic 12

Approximately 60% of women who experience intimate partner violence endure emotional abuse, often alongside physical or sexual abuse

Statistic 13

Globally, 40% of women who are murdered are killed by intimate partners or family members, highlighting the deadly consequences of gender-based violence

Statistic 14

In conflict zones, rape and sexual violence are used as weapons of war, affecting millions of women and girls, with estimates suggesting 60% of sexual violence cases go unreported

Statistic 15

Sexual violence is a significant barrier to the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment globally, according to UN Women

Statistic 16

Over 50% of women who experience sexual violence report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Statistic 17

Childhood sexual abuse increases the risk of revictimization in adulthood, with studies showing up to 30% of adult sexual assault survivors previously experienced childhood abuse

Statistic 18

Trauma from sexual violence can lead to long-term health issues, including chronic pain, reproductive health problems, and mental health disorders, according to WHO

Statistic 19

Only about 15% of victims of violent crimes involving sexual assault seek counseling or legal help, indicating significant barriers to access

Statistic 20

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

Statistic 21

An estimated 15% to 20% of women who have been in a relationship have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner

Statistic 22

Nearly 70% of all sexual assaults are not reported to the police

Statistic 23

In the United States, about 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives

Statistic 24

Around 85% of victims of child sexual abuse are abused by someone they know

Statistic 25

Only about 16% of rapes or sexual assaults are reported to police

Statistic 26

More than 90% of victims of sexual violence know their attacker

Statistic 27

Women are twice as likely as men to be victims of sexual violence worldwide

Statistic 28

About 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault are under 18 years old

Statistic 29

The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence for girls in the United States is around 17%

Statistic 30

In some regions, up to 50% of women have experienced sexual violence during conflict

Statistic 31

Approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States has been raped at some point in her lifetime

Statistic 32

The risk of sexual violence for women increases with alcohol and substance abuse, with estimates suggesting nearly 50% of sexual assaults involve alcohol

Statistic 33

In global surveys, nearly 30% of women report experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner

Statistic 34

Approximately 75% of men who have committed sexual violence do so multiple times, indicating repeat offenses

Statistic 35

In some parts of the world, up to 60% of women have experienced violence during pregnancy

Statistic 36

35% of women in the European Union have experienced some form of sexual harassment since the age of 15

Statistic 37

Nearly 80% of adolescent girls in some countries report experiencing sexual harassment in public spaces

Statistic 38

In Africa, 1 in 4 women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence

Statistic 39

Children with disabilities are twice as likely to be sexually abused than children without disabilities

Statistic 40

1 in 8 adolescent girls in the U.S. has been a victim of sexual assault, according to CDC data

Statistic 41

The average age of first experience of sexual coercion among women globally is approximately 15 years old

Statistic 42

Studies suggest that the risk of experiencing sexual violence increases with exposure to armed conflict zones, with rates rising up to 75%

Statistic 43

44% of women globally have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime

Statistic 44

In some regions, up to 50% of women report experiencing sexual violence during or after childbirth, often going unreported

Statistic 45

Nearly 1 in 5 girls worldwide have experienced some form of sexual violence before reaching adulthood

Statistic 46

About 12% of women globally report experiencing sexual coercion or forced sex during their lifetime

Statistic 47

Among women with disabilities, the prevalence of sexual violence is approximately 4 times higher than among women without disabilities

Statistic 48

Men also experience sexual violence; global estimates suggest that 1 in 20 men have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives

Statistic 49

The majority of sexual violence cases in correctional facilities involve staff members as perpetrators, representing around 60% of reported incidents

Statistic 50

Adolescent girls are at higher risk of sexual violence compared to boys, with global estimates indicating that nearly 28% of girls aged 15–19 have experienced some form of sexual harassment or violence

Statistic 51

Sexual violence often co-occurs with other forms of abuse, such as emotional and physical violence, making comprehensive intervention necessary

Statistic 52

In low-income countries, less than 10% of women who experience violence seek help, due to stigma and lack of support services

Statistic 53

Globally, only 30% of women who experience violence seek help from authorities or support services

Statistic 54

About 90% of sexual assault survivors in the U.S. do not report the assault to law enforcement

Statistic 55

In India, around 7 out of 10 cases of sexual violence go unreported due to social stigma

Statistic 56

Only about 10% of sexual assault cases involving minors are reported to authorities, leaving many victims unidentified

Statistic 57

In Europe, less than 30% of victims of sexual violence seek help or report to authorities, due to stigma and mistrust

Statistic 58

Post-rape medical examinations are conducted in fewer than 50% of cases reported, undermining evidence collection and justice

Statistic 59

Many countries lack comprehensive laws to protect victims of sexual violence, reducing the likelihood of prosecution and victim support

Slide 1 of 59

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

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
An estimated 15% to 20% of women who have been in a relationship have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner
Nearly 70% of all sexual assaults are not reported to the police
In the United States, about 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives
Around 85% of victims of child sexual abuse are abused by someone they know
Only about 16% of rapes or sexual assaults are reported to police
More than 90% of victims of sexual violence know their attacker
Women are twice as likely as men to be victims of sexual violence worldwide
The median age of victims of sexual abuse is 9 years old, according to global data
Sexual violence increases the risk of HIV infection among women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, by 50%
About 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault are under 18 years old
Women who experience sexual violence are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression
In low-income countries, less than 10% of women who experience violence seek help, due to stigma and lack of support services

Despite being one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide, sexual violence remains vastly underreported and often unaddressed, affecting approximately one in three women globally and leaving millions of victims in silence.

Demographic and Regional Variations

The median age of victims of sexual abuse is 9 years old, according to global data
The prevalence of sexual violence in university settings varies but can reach up to 20% among female students, depending on the region

Demographic and Regional Variations Interpretation

These stark figures—highlighting that the median victim of sexual abuse is a mere 9 years old and that up to one in five female university students faces sexual violence—serve as a disturbing reminder that our societies still grapple with the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable at every stage of life.

Economic and Societal Impacts

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

Economic and Societal Impacts Interpretation

The staggering $150 billion annual price tag of global sexual violence not only highlights its devastating human toll but also reveals how society is footing a hefty bill for a crisis that could—and must—be halted.

Impact on Victims and Health Consequences

Sexual violence increases the risk of HIV infection among women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, by 50%
Women who experience sexual violence are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression
60% of women who experience intimate partner violence face emotional or psychological abuse
About 92% of child sexual abuse victims do not disclose abuse at the time it occurs
Female victims of sexual violence are five times more likely to experience depression compared to those who have not experienced violence
In many countries, less than 20% of sexual violence victims receive any form of counseling or medical assistance
In the United States, about 90% of women murdered by an intimate partner were victims of domestic violence, many of whom faced prior abuse
Girls who experience sexual violence are at increased risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviors later in life, including multiple partnerships and unprotected sex
Approximately 60% of women who experience intimate partner violence endure emotional abuse, often alongside physical or sexual abuse
Globally, 40% of women who are murdered are killed by intimate partners or family members, highlighting the deadly consequences of gender-based violence
In conflict zones, rape and sexual violence are used as weapons of war, affecting millions of women and girls, with estimates suggesting 60% of sexual violence cases go unreported
Sexual violence is a significant barrier to the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment globally, according to UN Women
Over 50% of women who experience sexual violence report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Childhood sexual abuse increases the risk of revictimization in adulthood, with studies showing up to 30% of adult sexual assault survivors previously experienced childhood abuse
Trauma from sexual violence can lead to long-term health issues, including chronic pain, reproductive health problems, and mental health disorders, according to WHO
Only about 15% of victims of violent crimes involving sexual assault seek counseling or legal help, indicating significant barriers to access

Impact on Victims and Health Consequences Interpretation

Despite the chilling prevalence of sexual violence worldwide—undermining health, safety, and gender equality—only a fraction of victims seek help, revealing that the silent suffering often persists behind closed doors, and underscores an urgent need for comprehensive support and justice.

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
An estimated 15% to 20% of women who have been in a relationship have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner
Nearly 70% of all sexual assaults are not reported to the police
In the United States, about 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives
Around 85% of victims of child sexual abuse are abused by someone they know
Only about 16% of rapes or sexual assaults are reported to police
More than 90% of victims of sexual violence know their attacker
Women are twice as likely as men to be victims of sexual violence worldwide
About 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault are under 18 years old
The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence for girls in the United States is around 17%
In some regions, up to 50% of women have experienced sexual violence during conflict
Approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States has been raped at some point in her lifetime
The risk of sexual violence for women increases with alcohol and substance abuse, with estimates suggesting nearly 50% of sexual assaults involve alcohol
In global surveys, nearly 30% of women report experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner
Approximately 75% of men who have committed sexual violence do so multiple times, indicating repeat offenses
In some parts of the world, up to 60% of women have experienced violence during pregnancy
35% of women in the European Union have experienced some form of sexual harassment since the age of 15
Nearly 80% of adolescent girls in some countries report experiencing sexual harassment in public spaces
In Africa, 1 in 4 women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence
Children with disabilities are twice as likely to be sexually abused than children without disabilities
1 in 8 adolescent girls in the U.S. has been a victim of sexual assault, according to CDC data
The average age of first experience of sexual coercion among women globally is approximately 15 years old
Studies suggest that the risk of experiencing sexual violence increases with exposure to armed conflict zones, with rates rising up to 75%
44% of women globally have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime
In some regions, up to 50% of women report experiencing sexual violence during or after childbirth, often going unreported
Nearly 1 in 5 girls worldwide have experienced some form of sexual violence before reaching adulthood
About 12% of women globally report experiencing sexual coercion or forced sex during their lifetime
Among women with disabilities, the prevalence of sexual violence is approximately 4 times higher than among women without disabilities
Men also experience sexual violence; global estimates suggest that 1 in 20 men have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives
The majority of sexual violence cases in correctional facilities involve staff members as perpetrators, representing around 60% of reported incidents
Adolescent girls are at higher risk of sexual violence compared to boys, with global estimates indicating that nearly 28% of girls aged 15–19 have experienced some form of sexual harassment or violence
Sexual violence often co-occurs with other forms of abuse, such as emotional and physical violence, making comprehensive intervention necessary

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence Interpretation

Despite the staggering prevalence of sexual violence affecting roughly one in three women worldwide and often remaining shadowed by underreporting, the ubiquitous nature of this abuse—ranging from childhood to conflict zones—underscores a moral urgency for comprehensive action, especially considering that the majority of perpetrators are known to victims and that vulnerable groups like children and disabled women bear a disproportionate burden.

Reporting, Justice, and Legal Frameworks

In low-income countries, less than 10% of women who experience violence seek help, due to stigma and lack of support services
Globally, only 30% of women who experience violence seek help from authorities or support services
About 90% of sexual assault survivors in the U.S. do not report the assault to law enforcement
In India, around 7 out of 10 cases of sexual violence go unreported due to social stigma
Only about 10% of sexual assault cases involving minors are reported to authorities, leaving many victims unidentified
In Europe, less than 30% of victims of sexual violence seek help or report to authorities, due to stigma and mistrust
Post-rape medical examinations are conducted in fewer than 50% of cases reported, undermining evidence collection and justice
Many countries lack comprehensive laws to protect victims of sexual violence, reducing the likelihood of prosecution and victim support

Reporting, Justice, and Legal Frameworks Interpretation

Despite widespread awareness, the grim reality remains: societal stigma, legal gaps, and inadequate support systems create a dark veil over sexual violence, leaving the vast majority of survivors unheard, unseen, and unprotected.