What proportion of women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime?

• A. 1 in 2 women
• B. 1 in 3 women
• C. 1 in 10 women
• D. 1 in 4 women

Answer: (D)

The main concept being tested is the lifetime risk of sexual assault for women. Across many public health surveys, about one in four women experience some form of sexual assault during their lifetime. This figure reflects risk accumulated over years and includes completed or attempted rape as well as other unwanted sexual experiences reported in confidential surveys. It’s the best answer because it matches the widely cited prevalence estimate used in research and policy discussions.

The other options don’t fit as well because they imply a higher or lower lifetime burden than what is typically reported. One in two would be 50%, which is much higher than standard estimates. One in three (about 33%) is also higher. One in ten (10%) is lower. So one in four best approximates the commonly cited lifetime prevalence.