A Systematic Review of Rates of Sexual Violence Victimization in Rural Populations in the US.

Abstract

People living in rural areas in the US may be at elevated risk to experience sexual violence victimization due to structural inequalities. However, our understanding of how often sexual violence occurs within these communities is limited. We conducted a systematic review to examine the prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization in rural communities. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched electronic databases for articles published on sexual violence victimization in rural communities in the US; there was no publication date restriction. Articles were included if they assessed sexual violence victimization within a rural context within the US. Our initial search resulted in 6,170 articles for abstract screening, 16 met inclusion criteria. Most articles were removed because they assessed intimate partner violence, but not sexual violence. Our sample size included 6,369 participants who ranged from 13-64 years old. Articles were published between 1988-2025. Articles included five types of sexual violence: sexual violence over one's lifetime, unwanted touching, sexual coercion, attempted and completed rape. Average prevalence rates ranged from 6.5% - 23.8%. Rates of sexual violence victimization in rural populations mirror the broader literature on sexual violence prevalence rates. However, not all articles provided contextual details about the victimization experiences, such as who the perpetrator was, the time frame, or how often sexual violence had occurred. Moving forward, greater efforts are needed to assess the context of sexual violence victimization within rural communities.