Sexual Assault Statistics

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any form of unwanted or nonconsensual sexual behavior. That can include verbal comments, coercion into sexual acts, or sexual encounters you did not consent to.

Understanding what counts as sexual abuse is sometimes confusing, which may be one reason why sexual assault crimes are some of the most underreported in the U.S. The Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that only 5% of sexual assaults are reported to authorities.

Acts of sexual abuse or assault can include:

• Any sexual conduct involving minors
• Manipulated, pressured, or coerced sexual activities
• Medical sexual assault, like nonconsensual sexual touching under the guise of exams
• Nonconsensual sexual acts that are normalized or minimized
• Sexual activities involving people who are unable to consent
• Sexual exploitation through the abuse of someone’s dependence, authority, or trust
• Unwanted sexual touching

It can take survivors years or decades to realize that what happened to them was abuse. However, even if you needed time to feel comfortable talking about your trauma, you may still be able to take legal action.

Get a free case review today to find out your eligibility.

Sexual Assault Statistics for Women

Experts estimate that 1 in 4 women experience sexual assault in their lifetimes. That number may change depending on specific demographic factors.

Statistics on female sexual abuse differ by:

• Age
• Disability
• LGBTQ+ identity
• Race
• Socioeconomic factors

Sexual abuse is a widespread issue for women and children of all backgrounds. You didn’t deserve what happened to you, regardless of who you are or your lived experience.

Female Sexual Assault Statistics by Age

Sexual assault can happen to women and girls at any age. They may not have the words to describe what happened or feel comfortable naming their abuser, especially if the perpetrator is a family member, teacher, or friend.

Here’s what everyone should know about age-related sexual abuse:

• 79.6% of female rape survivors were raped before turning 25
• 42.2% of girls who are raped experience their sexual abuse before they’re 18 years old
• 18% of women who experience elder sexual abuse are older than 60
• Teen girls ages 16 to 19 are 4 times more likely to experience rape or attempted rape than the general population

It’s important to look for signs of sexual abuse in women of any age, including behavioral changes, different eating habits, or fear of people they previously liked. If you recognize red flags, you can act quickly by getting them to safety and reporting the potential perpetrator.

Statistics on Sexual Assault Against Disabled Women

Sexual violence within disabled communities may sometimes get overlooked. Understanding the statistics of women being sexually assaulted could help you protect victims with disabilities.

These are some notable sexual assault statistics to remember:

• 39% of female rape victims had a disability at the time of their assault
• 83% of women with disabilities will experience sexual assault in their lifetimes
• Women with disabilities have an increased risk of manipulation and sexual harassment

Supporting women with disabilities and advocating for them is crucial. If you’re unsure what to do afterward, Her Case Matters can help.

Call us at (877) 904-4241 to discuss your concerns and get support.

LGBTQ+ Sexual Abuse Statistics

Those in the LGBTQ+ community encounter disproportional rates of sexual violence. They may also be less likely to report their experiences if they don’t think they’ll receive support from loved ones or law enforcement.

Notable LGBTQ+ sexual assault statistics include:

• Bisexual women are 8 times more likely to experience violent victimization, which includes sexual assault, than straight women
• 35.7% of asexual women encounter non-contact sexual violence annually
• 49% of lesbian women experience rape within their lifetime
• 33% of transgender women suffer forced sexual contact

Colorado recently agreed to pay $2.1 million to 400 class action lawsuit members, among whom were several transgender women who were sexually assaulted while in state custody.

Understanding how sexual assault affects the LGBTQ+ community is crucial. Whether you’re part of it or love someone who is, reading about sexual abuse statistics can make it easier to take action when assault happens.

Statistics of Sexual Assault by Race

Race also plays into sexual assault statistics. People in minority communities may face higher rates of sexual assault, in part due to factors like race-based discrimination.

The latest statistics for sexual assault by race show:

• 1 in 3 Hispanic women report unwanted sexual contact during their lifetimes
• 6.8% of Asian women are sexually assaulted
• 35% of Black women experienced some form of contact sexual violence
• 34.1% of Native American women report being sexually assaulted
• 20.5% of non-Hispanic white women are rape survivors

Acknowledging the scope of the problem is important. It may be possible to recognize the signs of sexual assault more easily with a broader perspective about the intersection of race and sexual abuse.

Sexual Assault Statistics According to Socioeconomic Factors

There are many reasons why someone’s economic status can increase their risk of sexual assault. If they don’t have the financial resources to take legal action or move to a safe environment, someone could remain a silent victim long-term.

Here are some sexual assault statistics involving socioeconomic status:

• 90% of homeless women have a history of severe sexual abuse
• Women and girls living in low-income households have higher rates of sexual victimization between the ages of 12 and 34
• Women with a maximum of $3,700 in the bank or less are more likely to return to an abuser

We believe that a person’s financial situation shouldn’t prevent them from seeking the justice they deserve. Our partner sexual assault lawyers work on a contingency basis, so survivors don’t pay up-front costs or hourly fees.

Contact us now to learn more about your options if you’ve survived sexual assault. We’re ready to support you and help you take next steps.

Spousal Sexual Abuse Statistics

Intimate partner violence is a widespread problem, especially for women. Some people wonder whether sexual assault is possible within a relationship, but it’s absolutely a form of trauma with lifelong effects.

These are notable statistics on sexual assault from spouses and intimate partners:

• 10-14% of married women are raped by their spouses in the U.S.
• 14.2% of women experience sexual coercion from intimate partners
• 1 in 3 women encounter sexual violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime

Many women experience abuse at the hands of someone they love and trust. These sexual abuse statistics highlight the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of looking for warning signs in loved ones.

Child Sexual Abuse Statistics

Children deserve safety in their homes and communities, but that doesn’t always happen. Many young people, especially girls, endure sexual trauma that causes long-term devastation.

Child sexual abuse may differ according to a child’s:

• Age
• Disability
• LGBTQ+ identity
• Race
• Socioeconomic factors

Many cases of child sexual assault remain hidden until the victim is well into their adulthood. If you or a loved one recently came forward about sexual abuse during adolescence, Her Case Matters may be able to help.

Get your free case review now to see if there’s still time to file a sexual abuse lawsuit.

Childhood Sexual Assault Statistics by Age

Age plays a significant role in a young person’s risk of sexual abuse. Perpetrators may target kids at any age, so it’s up to the adults in their lives to stay vigilant.

Research shows that:

• Almost 65,000 children are sexually assaulted each year in the U.S.
• 1 in 9 girls experience sexual abuse before age 18
• 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused before turning 18
• Girls aged 16-19 have a four times higher risk of suffering a rape or attempted rape
• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are four times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• 82% of all child sexual abuse victims under 18 are girls

In 2023, a woman won a $2.3 billion verdict against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after she claimed that church officials failed to report known sexual abuse by her father while she was a child.

Children and teenagers aren’t always able to advocate for themselves. Learning the latest child sexual assault statistics and signs of child sexual abuse, including behavioral regression, sleep issues, or changes in eating habits, could help you get kids to safety when they need support.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Statistics Involving Disabilities

Disabilities can prevent kids from getting help when they’re sexually abused. People may even overlook them, leading to social isolation and an inability to seek support.

Generally speaking, kids who are disabled are 2.9 times more likely to suffer a sexual assault, according to research from End Rape on Campus.

Here’s how sexual abuse affects children with disabilities:

• Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a speech disability, or an intellectual disability are at highest risk of sexual victimization
• 39-68% of disabled girls and 16-30% of disabled boys will experience sexual violence before turning 18
• Young people with autism are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience sexual abuse

Advocating for kids and teenagers with disabilities is a powerful way to stop or prevent abuse. Once you understand how widespread the issue is, you can be a better source of support.

LGBTQ+ Children and Sexual Assault Statistics

LGBTQ+ youth may experience higher rates of sexual abuse than their heterosexual peers. Social isolation and discrimination are only a few factors that increase their risk.

Nearly 40% of young people in the LGBTQ+ community have experienced sexual coercion or manipulation, as noted by the Trevor Project.

Research on LGBTQ+ child sexual abuse shows that:

• 1 in 3 lesbian and bisexual female sexual abuse victims were raped when they were 10 years old or younger
• 41% of LGBTQ+ adults suffered from sexual abuse during their childhoods
• 33% of transgender girls and 49% of transgender boys report experiencing forced sexual contact

Call Her Case Matters at (877) 904-4241 if you’re unsure what to do after recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in someone within the LGBTQ+ community. Our compassionate team will listen to your story and help you determine your next steps.

Childhood Sexual Assault Statistics by Race

Race can shape how a child experiences sexual abuse, whether their loved ones report it, and how local authorities respond to the situation. Those factors could make child sexual assault higher in specific communities.

Childhood sexual assault statistics by race show:

• 1 in 4 Black girls are sexually abused before the age of 18
• 6% of Asian children are sexually assaulted while minors
• 10% of Hispanic kids experience sexual abuse during childhood
• 15.7% of Native American children have a history of sexual victimization

Understanding how race and child sexual abuse overlap could help you be more mindful of those at risk in your family or community. It may even empower you to advocate for kids who come forward.

Childhood Socioeconomic Background and Sexual Assault Statistics

Children in low-income households may be more likely to suffer from sexual abuse. Economic hardships can prevent people from reporting an assault or taking action, which puts kids in impoverished communities at risk.

These sexual abuse statistics focus on socioeconomic factors:

• Children living in poverty are 5 times more likely to experience sexual abuse
• Girls in low-income families are at higher risk of enduring sexual assault
• Kids experience more sexual assault in rural communities than urban areas

Her Case Matters can help families with any socioeconomic background by providing guidance and connecting them to attorneys who only get paid if they negotiate a sexual abuse lawsuit settlement.

Get your free case review today.

Sexual Assault Statistics Showing the Long-Term Effects on Women

Sexual abuse and assault can have lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health — even if it’s reported immediately.

Statistics show that women experience long-term impacts after sexual abuse, including:

• 33% of female rape victims think about suicide and 13% attempt it
• 38% of sexual assault survivors have significant problems with their peers, boss, or coworkers
• 94% of women who experience sexual assault have PTSD symptoms within 2 weeks and are still living with them 9 months later
• Women who’ve been sexually abused are 10 times more likely to use major drugs

While recovery is possible, these sexual abuse statistics demonstrate the significant impact trauma can have long after it occurs. If you’ve survived sexual assault and live with similar effects, you’re not alone.

The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse Statistics

Kids and teens often live with long-term effects after sexual abuse. The physical, mental, emotional, and social changes can reshape the futures they imagined for themselves.

Research on the lasting impacts of childhood sexual abuse shows:

• Child sex abuse survivors are at an increased risk of violence against themselves or others
• Children who endure sexual violence are 4 times more likely to develop drug abuse issues
• Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD can result from child sexual abuse
• Survivors may be more likely to develop diabetes or heart disease later in life

It may not be too late for your family to take legal action if your child or teenager has experienced sexual assault. Compensation from a child sexual assault lawsuit could help your family afford treatments for the long-term effects of sexual abuse.

Sexual Assault Perpetrator Statistics

In a majority of cases, perpetrators of sexual abuse or assault are often people the victim knows. Understanding what the latest research shows about sexual assault perpetrators will help you better identify at-risk populations.

Here are some perpetrator-focused statistics about sexual abuse:

• 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by a family member or someone the victim trusts
• 60% of rapes against adults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows
• 63.8% of sexual abuse offenders had little to no prior criminal history
• The average sexual assault offender is 38 years old

If victims are abused by someone they or their parents trusted, they may not feel comfortable reporting their assault. Learning about sexual abuse perpetrator statistics could help more people believe female victims and fight on their behalf.

Notable Sexual Assault Settlements

Women who file sexual assault lawsuits seek compensation that helps them access the care they need to heal. Legal action can also help survivors get closure, which may be what they need most of all.

Here are some notable sexual assault settlements from recent years:

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints agreed to a $2.28 billion settlement for a woman who alleged that she experienced sexual abuse from her stepfather while she was a minor and the church failed to report the abuse to law enforcement.
• New York-Presbyterian and Columbia University agreed to a $750 million settlement for 576 women who alleged that they were sexually assaulted by Dr. Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist for the organizations’ affiliated hospitals.
• Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor settled with Virginia Giuffre for around $16.3 million after she alleged that he sexually assaulted her while she was underage.
• A former Pittsburgh McDonald’s manager agreed to a $4.35 million settlement for a 14-year-old girl who alleged that he raped her while she was employed there.
• Uber was ordered to pay $8.5 million to a woman who alleged that her Uber driver raped her.
• The University of Southern California settled with more than 700 women for $852 million after they alleged they were sexually abused by the university’s former gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall.
• A jury awarded $1.68 billion to 40 female sexual abuse survivors after the alleged perpetrator, James Toback, didn’t show up to court.

Her Case Matters can help sexual assault victims or their families take legal action. The sexual assault lawyers in our network fight for survivors and negotiate settlements out of court, resulting in compensation that makes recovery resources more accessible.

Reach out today to get started.

Get Support After Reading Sexual Abuse Statistics

Behind every sexual assault statistic is a real person whose life has suffered from violence. These numbers represent women and children who deserve support and the opportunity to seek justice.

Our partner sexual assault lawyers have secured $10.5 Billion to date for victims of injustice, including sexual abuse and assault survivors.

The Her Case Matters team is standing by to provide compassionate support and clarity about your legal rights. If you or your loved one has experienced sexual assault, we’re here to listen.

Get a free case review today or call (877) 904-4241 to see if you qualify.