GITNUXREPORT 2025

Woman Sexual Assault Statistics

Women face pervasive sexual violence, often unreported and deeply harmful.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 85% of victims of sexual assault are female

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African-American women report experiencing sexual violence at higher rates (around 44%) compared to white women (around 33%)

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Women in rural areas are less likely to report sexual assaults due to stigma and lack of access to services compared to urban women

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Over 60% of women who experience sexual violence report experiencing emotional or psychological consequences

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Female victims of sexual violence are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder

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Statistically, women who experience sexual assault are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing homelessness later in life

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Research shows that women who have experienced sexual violence are more likely to experience reproductive health issues, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections

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About 40% of women who experience sexual violence report severe physical injuries like broken bones

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Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to experience intimate partner violence later in life

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Victims of sexual violence are at increased risk of substance abuse issues, with some studies indicating nearly half of women in treatment programs have experienced sexual assault

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Women who experience sexual violence are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with some studies showing nearly 30% experiencing suicidal ideation

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Women who experience sexual violence face increased economic hardships and barriers to employment, contributing to cycles of poverty

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Recovery and support services are often inaccessible or insufficient for many women who experience sexual violence, especially in lower-income settings

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Approximately 25% of women raped during conflict situations experience long-term psychological effects, including PTSD and depression

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The mental health consequences of sexual violence can last decades, with some survivors reporting persistent PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms

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About 1 in 3 women worldwide 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, approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual assault or misconduct involving alcohol, drugs, or force during their lifetime

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Nearly 81% of women who are raped or sexually assaulted experience their first assault before age 25

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Overall, women are three times as likely as men to experience some form of sexual violence

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About 1 in 6 women in the United States has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape

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Women aged 18-24 are at the highest risk of sexual violence, with over 23% experiencing sexual assault during their college years

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Incidents of sexual violence are significantly underreported, with estimates suggesting only 1 in 10 cases are reported to law enforcement

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Women with disabilities are at a higher risk of sexual violence, with prevalence rates approximately 50% higher than women without disabilities

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1 in 5 women in the U.S. has experienced forcible rape at some time in her life

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More than 60% of women in the military have experienced sexual harassment or assault during their service

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In the global context, 35% of women who have experienced violence did so by an intimate partner

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About 13% of women have experienced some form of sexual coercion

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Women and girls account for approximately 73% of the total victims of human trafficking worldwide, many of whom have been subjected to sexual exploitation

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The likelihood of experiencing sexual violence increases for women living in conflict zones, with some studies citing prevalence rates exceeding 50%

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Nearly 2 in 3 women worldwide have experienced some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse by an intimate partner or family member

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The median age of first sexual assault in the United States is around 17 years old, with many assaults happening during adolescence

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Female college students report higher rates of sexual harassment and assault, with some studies indicating nearly 1 in 4 women experiencing sexual assault during college

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Globally, the prevalence of sexual violence among women aged 15–49 is estimated at approximately 13%

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In some countries, up to 60% of women experience some form of coercive or forced sexual act, often due to societal norms or gender inequality

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The majority of perpetrators of sexual assault are acquaintances, friends, or co-workers rather than strangers, accounting for approximately 70% of cases

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Sexual violence against women in refugee settings tends to be significantly higher than in stable environments, with some reports indicating rates exceeding 50%

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The cumulative lifetime risk of experiencing sexual violence in some countries is estimated to be as high as 35%, depending on societal factors

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There is a strong association between sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, including honor killings and trafficking, with overlapping victim populations

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The rate of sexual violence among women in prison is significantly higher than in the general population, with some studies citing rates above 50%

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International data suggests that women with marginalized identities, including LGBTQ+ women, face even higher risks of sexual violence, up to 30-40%, compared to the general population

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Education campaigns and community interventions are shown to reduce the incidence of sexual violence by up to 30% in some regions, according to intervention studies

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Community-based programs that involve men and boys as allies have been effective in reducing gender-based violence, including sexual assault, in various settings

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90% of women who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to the police

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Less than 10% of cases of sexual violence are formally prosecuted, highlighting widespread impunity

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Sexual assault incidents tend to be underreported among minority women due to cultural stigma and systemic barriers, with some research indicating underreporting rates above 80%

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Women in states with stronger legal protections against sexual violence report lower rates of victimization, highlighting the importance of policy

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Key Highlights

About 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, approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual assault or misconduct involving alcohol, drugs, or force during their lifetime
Nearly 81% of women who are raped or sexually assaulted experience their first assault before age 25
Overall, women are three times as likely as men to experience some form of sexual violence
90% of women who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to the police
About 1 in 6 women in the United States has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape
Women aged 18-24 are at the highest risk of sexual violence, with over 23% experiencing sexual assault during their college years
Incidents of sexual violence are significantly underreported, with estimates suggesting only 1 in 10 cases are reported to law enforcement
Approximately 85% of victims of sexual assault are female
Women with disabilities are at a higher risk of sexual violence, with prevalence rates approximately 50% higher than women without disabilities
1 in 5 women in the U.S. has experienced forcible rape at some time in her life
Over 60% of women who experience sexual violence report experiencing emotional or psychological consequences
More than 60% of women in the military have experienced sexual harassment or assault during their service

Despite being universally underreported and often overlooked, sexual violence against women affects millions worldwide—disproportionately impacting young women, marginalized communities, and those in conflict zones—highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive awareness, stronger legal protections, and accessible support services.

Demographic and Geographic Disparities

Approximately 85% of victims of sexual assault are female
African-American women report experiencing sexual violence at higher rates (around 44%) compared to white women (around 33%)
Women in rural areas are less likely to report sexual assaults due to stigma and lack of access to services compared to urban women

Demographic and Geographic Disparities Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal that while female sexual assault is alarmingly pervasive—particularly among African-American women and those in rural communities—underreporting continues to hinder our understanding and efforts to address this critical issue.

Impact and Consequences of Sexual Violence

Over 60% of women who experience sexual violence report experiencing emotional or psychological consequences
Female victims of sexual violence are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Statistically, women who experience sexual assault are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing homelessness later in life
Research shows that women who have experienced sexual violence are more likely to experience reproductive health issues, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections
About 40% of women who experience sexual violence report severe physical injuries like broken bones
Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to experience intimate partner violence later in life
Victims of sexual violence are at increased risk of substance abuse issues, with some studies indicating nearly half of women in treatment programs have experienced sexual assault
Women who experience sexual violence are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with some studies showing nearly 30% experiencing suicidal ideation
Women who experience sexual violence face increased economic hardships and barriers to employment, contributing to cycles of poverty
Recovery and support services are often inaccessible or insufficient for many women who experience sexual violence, especially in lower-income settings
Approximately 25% of women raped during conflict situations experience long-term psychological effects, including PTSD and depression
The mental health consequences of sexual violence can last decades, with some survivors reporting persistent PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms

Impact and Consequences of Sexual Violence Interpretation

The sobering statistics reveal that sexual violence against women not only devastates individual lives—fueling emotional trauma, health crises, and economic hardships—but also casts long, enduring shadows that hinder recovery across generations and societies.

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence

About 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, approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual assault or misconduct involving alcohol, drugs, or force during their lifetime
Nearly 81% of women who are raped or sexually assaulted experience their first assault before age 25
Overall, women are three times as likely as men to experience some form of sexual violence
About 1 in 6 women in the United States has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape
Women aged 18-24 are at the highest risk of sexual violence, with over 23% experiencing sexual assault during their college years
Incidents of sexual violence are significantly underreported, with estimates suggesting only 1 in 10 cases are reported to law enforcement
Women with disabilities are at a higher risk of sexual violence, with prevalence rates approximately 50% higher than women without disabilities
1 in 5 women in the U.S. has experienced forcible rape at some time in her life
More than 60% of women in the military have experienced sexual harassment or assault during their service
In the global context, 35% of women who have experienced violence did so by an intimate partner
About 13% of women have experienced some form of sexual coercion
Women and girls account for approximately 73% of the total victims of human trafficking worldwide, many of whom have been subjected to sexual exploitation
The likelihood of experiencing sexual violence increases for women living in conflict zones, with some studies citing prevalence rates exceeding 50%
Nearly 2 in 3 women worldwide have experienced some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse by an intimate partner or family member
The median age of first sexual assault in the United States is around 17 years old, with many assaults happening during adolescence
Female college students report higher rates of sexual harassment and assault, with some studies indicating nearly 1 in 4 women experiencing sexual assault during college
Globally, the prevalence of sexual violence among women aged 15–49 is estimated at approximately 13%
In some countries, up to 60% of women experience some form of coercive or forced sexual act, often due to societal norms or gender inequality
The majority of perpetrators of sexual assault are acquaintances, friends, or co-workers rather than strangers, accounting for approximately 70% of cases
Sexual violence against women in refugee settings tends to be significantly higher than in stable environments, with some reports indicating rates exceeding 50%
The cumulative lifetime risk of experiencing sexual violence in some countries is estimated to be as high as 35%, depending on societal factors
There is a strong association between sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, including honor killings and trafficking, with overlapping victim populations
The rate of sexual violence among women in prison is significantly higher than in the general population, with some studies citing rates above 50%
International data suggests that women with marginalized identities, including LGBTQ+ women, face even higher risks of sexual violence, up to 30-40%, compared to the general population

Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Violence Interpretation

These staggering statistics reveal that sexual violence against women remains a pervasive and deeply rooted global crisis, with the majority experiencing trauma in silence and at a young age—reminding us that urgent action, gender equality, and societal change are indispensable to break the cycle.

Prevention, Education, and Support Initiatives

Education campaigns and community interventions are shown to reduce the incidence of sexual violence by up to 30% in some regions, according to intervention studies
Community-based programs that involve men and boys as allies have been effective in reducing gender-based violence, including sexual assault, in various settings

Prevention, Education, and Support Initiatives Interpretation

Education campaigns and community programs involving men and boys are powerful tools—reducing sexual violence by up to 30%—proving that prevention begins with awareness and allyship, not just punishment.

Reporting, Legal Protections, and Response

90% of women who experience sexual assault do not report the incident to the police
Less than 10% of cases of sexual violence are formally prosecuted, highlighting widespread impunity
Sexual assault incidents tend to be underreported among minority women due to cultural stigma and systemic barriers, with some research indicating underreporting rates above 80%
Women in states with stronger legal protections against sexual violence report lower rates of victimization, highlighting the importance of policy

Reporting, Legal Protections, and Response Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal that, despite the alarming prevalence of sexual assault—especially among minority women and in regions with weak legal protections—silent suffering persists, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and accountability.