Widespread problem associated with negative health outcomes throughout life.
Among women reporting rape 40% first raped before 18 years of age and 38% between 18 and 24 years of age.
One in four women in the US is raped during her lifetime, and 54% or sexually assaulted.
Suggest college years are particularlyvulnerable time for women, and one study revealed 20% of undergraduate women were victims of sexual violence since beginning college.
Sexual violence is also more likely to occur where beliefs in male sexual entitlement are strong, where gender roles are more rigid, and in countries experiencing high rates of other types of violence.
Some societies, such as those where the concepts of family honor and female chastity are very strong, may practice violent control of female sexuality, through practices such as honor killings and female genital mutilation.