1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence

An estimated 2.2 million adult women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, according to information from the 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In the PSS, sexual violence is defined as any incident involving the occurrence, attempt, or threat of sexual assault since the age of 15.

The survey found that 22 per cent of women have experienced sexual violence by a male, and less than one per cent by a female.

Women were over three times more likely to have experienced sexual violence by a man they knew than by a male stranger.

Will Milne, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: “We found that an estimated two million women have experienced sexual violence by a man they knew, and around 600,000 by a male stranger.”

In women’s most recent sexual assault by a male, the perpetrator was most often an intimate partner (53 per cent) and the incident most often occurred in a home (69 per cent).

Fifty-seven percent of the women sought advice or support following the incident, with most turning to a friend or family member.

The data also revealed the impacts of sexual assault on women.

“In the 12 months after the assault, two-thirds of women experienced anxiety or fear for their personal safety, and one in nine had to take time off work,” Mr Milne said.

“We acknowledge the lives and experiences of people affected by sexual violence who are represented in this report and thank those who participated in the survey. Their contributions have added valuable insights to informing government and service responses,” Mr Milne said.

If you or anyone you know is in need or crisis, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).