Rape Prevalence
What portion of all females in the U.S. say that they have been forcibly raped?
Correct Answer
A scientific survey of noninstitutionalized adults conducted in 2016–2017 found that 15–17% of all females and 1–2% of all males said they have been the victims of acts that constitute forcible rape at some point in their lives. These figures don’t include rape attempts or non-forcible alcohol- or drug-facilitated rapes. Among females, 49% of all rape victims were first raped before the age of 18, and 14% were first raped before the age of 11. Among males, 57% of all rape victims were first raped before the age of 18, and 27% were first raped before the age of 11. These findings accord with earlier studies, like a DOJ analysis of crimes reported to law enforcement in 12 states from 1991 to 1996 that found the incidence of forcible rape peaked at the ages of 14 and 15 years old.
DocumentationRape PrevalenceAge-Related Risks
















