Sexual abuse and assault are deeply concerning and prevalent issues that manifest in various forms, each carrying its own set of implications and consequences. At the Bedbible Research Center, we are committed to shedding light on these pressing matters, providing readers with comprehensive data and insights. Our research delves into the intricacies of sexual assault statistics and facts, offering a thorough understanding of the subject. From state-specific data to age-related vulnerabilities and the profound impact on victims’ mental and physical well-being, our findings are both extensive and meticulously researched.

As a trusted and authoritative source, we aim to inform, educate, and raise awareness about these grave concerns that affect countless individuals across the nation. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about the report.


Key Takeaways

  • Oregon is the state with the most sexual abuse cases
  • Alaska is the state with the highest rape rate
  • The highest risk of sexual assault and rape is in ages 12-34
  • 14.8% of all American women experience rape
  • 90% of adult rape cases involved female victims
  • Females between the age of 16-19 are 4x more likely to be victims of sex offenders
  • Less than 20% of rape cases are reported
  • 995 perpetrators out of 1000 rape cases in the U.S. will go unpunished

Overall Statistics on Sexual Assaults in the U.S.

  • In 2019, more than 652,676 women were raped. This is an annual rise rate of 2.9% for the last decade
  • 41.8% of all women in the U.S. have experienced sexual abuse other than rape
  • Almost 80% of female sexual abuse victims experienced an assault before the age of 25
  • 69% of rape victims are women within the age range of 12-34
  • Nearly 20% of American males have experienced sexual violence
  • Approximately 40% of male adults who were victims of sexual abuse from their intimate relationships experience psychological problems
  • In 2019, around 20,000 sexual assaults were reported to take place in the military
  • It is estimated that 70 women commit suicide every day in the U.S. after an act of sexual abuse
  • In 2019, more than 1.5 million women were victims of rape by an intimate partner
  • Less than 20% of rape cases are reported
  • 995 perpetrators out of 1000 rape cases in the U.S. will go unpunished

The American state with the Most Offenders (per capita)

Top 5 U.S. states with the most offenders (per 100,000 of the population) :

  • Oregon (688)
  • Arkansas (536)
  • Delaware (491)
  • Michigan (440)
  • Wisconsin (435)

Top 5 States with the Highest Rape Rate in 2023 (per 100,000 inhabitants)

In 2023, the state of Alaska was recorded with the highest rape rate in the country. On the other hand, New Jersey was found to have the lowest number of rape cases in the U.S.

  • Alaska (151.8)
  • Arkansas (73.5)
  • South Dakota (67.1)
  • Colorado (62.9)
  • Michigan (60.9)

Top 5 States with the Lowest Rape rate in 2023 (per 100,000 inhabitants)

  • New Jersey (14.4)
  • Connecticut (16.7)
  • Delaware (26.4)
  • Virginia (26.5)
  • Massachusetts (26.9)

Statistics on Sexual Abuse By Age

Studies show that younger individuals are at the highest risk of sexual offenses.

  • The highest risk of sexual assault and rape are in ages 12-34
  • The risk is lowest for those aged 65 and above

Statistics on Sexual Abuse Among Women and Girls

  • Data showed 17.7 million American women who have experienced attempted or completed rape.
  • This results in 14.8% of all American women experiencing completed rape, and 2.8% experiencing attempted rape.
  • 90% of adult rape cases involved female victims
  • Females aged 18-24 and college students are 3x more at risk of experiencing sexual abuse compared to women in general
  • Females in the age range of 16-19 are 4x more likely to be victims of sexual assault, rape, or attempted rape compared to the general population

Statistics on Sexual Abuse Among Men and Boys

  • 2.78 million of all men in the U.S. had experienced attempted or completed rape
  • 1 out of every 10 rape victims in the country is male
  • It is estimated that 3% of American men have been a victim of sexual abuse in their lifetime
  • Males within the age range of 18-24 who are also college students are 5x more likely to be a victim of rape compared to non-student males of the same age

Child and Teen Sexual Abuse: A Deep Dive into the Statistics

Child sexual abuse is a grave concern that affects countless young lives every year. To understand the magnitude and implications of this issue, let’s delve into some alarming statistics.

The Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse

  • In FY16, Child Protective Services agencies found strong evidence to indicate that 57,329 children were victims of sexual abuse.
  • 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault.
  • 82% of all victims under 18 are female.
  • Females aged 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
Age GroupLikelihood of Experiencing Sexual Abuse
Girls1 in 9
Boys1 in 20

The Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

The trauma of child sexual abuse doesn’t end with the act itself. The repercussions can persist into adulthood, affecting the victim’s mental health:

  • Victims are 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse.
  • They are 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults.
  • They are 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults.

Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse

Understanding the profile of abusers is crucial in prevention efforts.

  • In 2013, of the sexual abuse cases reported to CPS, 47,000 men and 5,000 women were the alleged perpetrators.
  • 88% of the substantiated sexual abuse claims had male perpetrators, 9% were female, and 3% were unknown.
Gender of PerpetratorPercentage
Male88%
Female9%
Unknown3%

Statistics on the effects of sexual assaults

Sexual violence leaves a profound impact on its victims, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their mental and emotional health. The following statistics shed light on the depth and breadth of these consequences.

Mental Health Implications

The trauma of sexual violence often leads to severe mental health challenges for victims:

  • 94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape.
  • 30% of women report symptoms of PTSD 9 months after the rape.
  • 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide.
  • 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide.
  • Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime.
Mental Health ImpactPercentage of Women Affected
Symptoms of PTSD within two weeks of rape94%
Symptoms of PTSD 9 months after rape30%
Contemplation of suicide33%
Attempted suicide13%
Experience of moderate to severe distress post-assault70%

Substance Abuse

Victims of sexual assault are more likely to turn to drugs, possibly as a coping mechanism:

  • 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana.
  • 6 times more likely to use cocaine.
  • 10 times more likely to use other major drugs.
SubstanceIncreased Likelihood of Use
Marijuana3.4 times
Cocaine6 times
Other major drugs10 times

Impact on Relationships and Professional Life

Sexual violence can strain victims’ relationships with family, friends, and colleagues:

  • 38% of victims experience work or school problems, including significant issues with a boss, coworker, or peer.
  • 37% experience family/friend problems, such as frequent arguments or reduced trust.
  • 84% of survivors victimized by an intimate partner face professional or emotional issues, including distress or increased problems at work or school.
  • 79% of survivors victimized by a family member or acquaintance face similar challenges.
  • 67% of survivors victimized by a stranger also experience these issues.
Impact AreaPercentage of Victims Affected
Work or school problems38%
Family/friend problems37%
Issues faced by those victimized by an intimate partner84%
Issues faced by those victimized by a family member or acquaintance79%
Issues faced by those victimized by a stranger67%

Physical Health Implications

Sexual violence can also have physical repercussions:

The chance of getting pregnant from one-time, unprotected intercourse is between 3.1-5%.

Given that the average number of rapes and sexual assaults against females of childbearing age is approximately 250,000, the number of children conceived from rape each year in the U.S. might range from 7,750—12,500.

Native Americans Are at the Greatest Risk of Sexual Violence

Native Americans face a disproportionately high risk of sexual violence. The statistics reveal a troubling scenario:

  • On average, American Indians ages 12 and older experience 5,900 sexual assaults per year.
  • American Indians are twice as likely to experience a rape/sexual assault compared to all races.
Relationship to VictimPercentage of Sexual Assaults
Stranger41%
Acquaintance34%
Intimate or family member25%

Sexual Violence Affects Thousands of Prisoners Across the Country

The prison system, which is meant to rehabilitate and correct, unfortunately, becomes a place of victimization for many:

  • An estimated 80,600 inmates experience sexual violence while in prison or jail each year.
PerpetratorPercentage of Sexual Violence Cases
Jail or prison staff60%
Nonconsensual sexual contact by staffOver 50%

Sexual Violence in the Military Often Goes Unreported

The military, a pillar of discipline and honor, is not immune to the scourge of sexual violence. However, many cases go unreported:

  • 6,053 military members reported experiencing sexual assault during military service in FY 2018.
  • The Department of Defense (DoD) estimates that about 20,500 service members experienced sexual assault that year.
Military MembersPercentage Experiencing Sexual Assault in FY 2018
Active duty women6.2%
Active duty men0.7%

Definition of a Sex Offender

A sex offender, also known as a sexual abuser or sex abuser, is defined as a person who has committed a sex crime, such as sexual conduct with a minor, committed sexual assault, and forcing him/herself sexually upon others without their consent.

Resources for Sexual Assault Victims

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and victims often need immediate support and assistance.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help survivors cope, heal, and seek justice.

Here are some of the most prominent resources:

1. National Sexual Assault Hotline

Operated by RAINN, this hotline offers confidential 24/7 support for victims of sexual assault.

  • Online chat hotline: Link
  • Telephone hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

2. National Helpline for Male Survivors

A service of 1in6, this helpline specifically caters to male survivors of sexual assault.

  • Online chat hotline

3. National Street Harassment Hotline

Operated by Stop Street Harassment, this hotline addresses the issue of street harassment.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 855.897.5910

4. DoD Safe Helpline

Operated by RAINN for the Department of Defense, this helpline is for members of the U.S. military and their families.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 877.995.5247

5. National Domestic Violence Hotline

This hotline provides support for victims of domestic and dating violence.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 800.799.SAFE

6. Love is Respect

A service of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, focusing on healthy relationships.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 866.331.9474

7. VictimConnect

Operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime, this service is for all crime victims.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 855.4.VICTIM (84-2846)

8. National Human Trafficking Hotline

Operated by Polaris, this hotline addresses the issue of human trafficking.

  • Online chat hotline
  • Telephone hotline: 888.373.7888

9. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

  • Telephone hotline: 800.THE.LOST (843-5678)

10. Additional Organizations

  • End Violence Against Women International
  • Equality Now
  • Futures Without Violence
  • Girls For Gender Equity
  • Global Fund for Women
  • Global Network of Women’s Shelters
  • Human Rights Watch
  • National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
  • National Domestic Workers Alliance
  • National Network to End Domestic Violence
  • National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
  • National Organization for Victim Assistance
  • National Women’s Law Center
  • NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault
  • Rise
  • Time’s Up

These resources play a crucial role in providing immediate support, counseling, and legal assistance to victims of sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been affected, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.