Facts & Statistics: The Scope of the Problem
Learn the facts about sexual violence in America. Discover key statistics, challenge misconceptions, and find out how—together—we can support survivors.
Every 74 seconds,
someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that someone is a child.1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2022.
See More Facts & Statistics423K
An estimated 423,020 people age 12+ experience sexual violence each year in the U.S.
54%
In the U.S., over half of sexual violence victims are ages 18-34. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sex Offenses and Offenders (1997).
63,000
2009-2013: Child protective services substantiated or found strong evidence that 63,000 children a year were sexually abused. 2United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. Child Maltreatment Survey, 2012 (2013).
The statistics on this page come from the most credible sources available. Collectively, they reveal the reality of sexual violence in America today.
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WHO Experiences Sexual Violence
1 in 6 U.S. women
has experienced attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. 1National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey (1998).
1 in 33 men has experienced attempted or completed rape.
About 3% of U.S. men have experienced attempted or completed rape. 1National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey (1998).
See More Facts & StatisticsThe majority of rape victims in the U.S. are female.
82% of underage rape victims and 90% of adult rape victims are female. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000).
See More Facts & StatisticsMen and boys also experience sexual violence.
10% of rape victims in the U.S. are male. 1National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey (1998).
See More Facts & StatisticsWHERE Sexual Assault Happens
68.5%
Percentage of sexual assaults that occur at or near the victim’s home or their relative’s home. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
23%
Percentage of sexual assaults that occur in an open public place. 2Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
8.5%
Percentage of sexual assaults that occur on school property or “other” location. 3Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
WHEN Sexual Assault Happens
48%
Most sexual assault victims were at home when the violence occurred. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
29%
Sexual assault victims who were commuting to or from home when the violence occurred. 2Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
24%
Sexual assault victims who were at work, school, or another activity when the violence occurred. 3Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2019–2023.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
We’re Data-Driven To Take Action
Support & Services
RAINN provides free, confidential support services and information to survivors of sexual violence, available 24/7 by phone, chat, or text.
Education & Community
RAINN educates adults and kids to recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual violence, empowering everyone to create safer communities.
RAINN’s Impact
Statistics from RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
Over 5 million people have been helped since 1994.
RAINN’s victim service programs have helped more than 5 million people since 1994.
See More Facts & StatisticsWe support 27,000 people every month.
On average, RAINN’s victim service programs help 27,000 people each month.
See More Facts & StatisticsNational Sexual Assault Hotline calls peak at 3:00 P.M.
Most people call RAINN’s hotline between 11:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. Eastern.
See More Facts & StatisticsThe average online hotline chat lasts 29 minutes.
RAINN’s support specialists provide free, confidential chat support 24/7.
See More Facts & StatisticsPrevention Starts with Education
By acknowledging the scope of the problem and committing to comprehensive education, policy reform, and survivor-centered support, we can cultivate communities that prioritize safety, accountability, and healing.
Identifying Sexual Violence
| You deserve clarity and support. Learn what sexual violence is, how it can affect you, and why understanding your experience matters for healing. |
Warning Signs To Watch For
| Young children, teenagers, and college-age adults face the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence. Learn the warning signs and how to intervene. |
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