Sexual Assault Statistics in Canada

Statistics disprove numerous common misconceptions about rape and sexual assault. While many people believe sexual assault is a rare crime that usually happens between strangers in a dark alley, in reality only a tiny percentage of cases fit this description. See below for some other important and interesting stats.

A Statistical Representation of the Truth

• Of every 100 incidents of sexual assault, only 6 are reported to the police
• 1 - 2% of "date rape" sexual assaults are reported to the police
• 1 in 4 North American women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime
• 11% of women have physical injury resulting for sexual assault
• Only 2 - 4% of all sexual assaults reported are false reports
• About 50% of sex assaults occur on dates
• 60% of sexual abuse/assault victims are under the age of 17
• over 80% of sex crime victims are women
• 80% of sexual assault incidents occur in the home
• 17% of girls under 16 have experienced some form of incest
• 83% of disabled women will be sexual assaulted during their lifetime
• 15% of sexual assault victims are boys under 16
• half of all sexual offenders are married or in long term relationships
• 57% of aboriginal women have been sexually abused
• 1/5th of all sexual assaults involve a weapon of some sort
• 80% of assailants are friends and family of the victim
• 63% of victims suffer physical harm
• 9% of victims are disfigured from the attack

The above noted statistics have been taken from various studies across Canada. While the numbers can never been 100% accurate, a few key generalizations can made:

1. sexual assault is far more common than most would suspect
2. relatively few incidents of sexual assault are reported to the police
3. young and otherwise vulnerable women are most likely to be sexually abused
4. most sexual assaults are committed by someone close to the victim, not a stranger
   

Please see of Myths vs. Facts page for more info about common misperceptions regarding sexual assault and child sexual abuse.


Disclaimer: All information on this page is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice or presumed to be completely accurate, or infinitely up to date.