Sexual Assault on College Campuses: Facts and Statistics
More than 1 in 10 students experience sexual misconduct on their college campus each year.
Data Summary
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Over 11,580 sexual criminal offenses were reported on college campuses in 2021.[1]
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Between 2015 and 2021, the total number of sexual offenses reported at higher education institutions increased by 23%.Note Reference[1]
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Surveys and experts indicate that the number of total offenses that occur on campuses is much larger due to underreporting.[2]
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As of 2019, 13% of college students experienced nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force or inability to consent. Note Reference[2]
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During the same year, the majority of students who were assaulted since enrolling said their perpetrators consumed alcohol prior to the incident. Note Reference[2]
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While graduate students are less likely than undergraduates to report experiencing sexual misconduct, they are notably more likely to be sexually harassed by faculty or instructors. Note Reference[2]
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In 2021, nearly 13,000 students were victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking incidents. Note Reference[1]
Each year, more than 1 in 10 students are assaulted on their college campuses. Note Reference[2] These incidents can range from harassment and stalking to nonconsensual touching and rape.
Below we cover how many sexual assaults happen at colleges and universities throughout the nation and who has been victimized in these incidents.
How Common Is Sexual Assault on College Campuses?
According to the most recently available data from the U.S. Department of Education's Campus Safety Survey, there were 11,582 sexual criminal offenses reported on more than 10,000 college campuses in 2021.Note Reference[1] This includes incidents of rape, statutory rape, fondling, and incest.
Reported Sexual Criminal Offenses on College Campuses, 2021
Bar chart with 4 bars.Source: U.S. Department of Education Note Reference[1]View as data table, Reported Sexual Criminal Offenses on College Campuses, 2021The chart has 1 X axis displaying categories. The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values. Data ranges from 3 to 6457.6,4576,4575,0655,065575733RapeFondling, Statutory Rape, Incest, Reported Sexual Criminal Offenses on College Campuses, 2021.
Source: U.S. Department of EducationNote Reference[1]
