What Percentage of College Sexual Assaults Involve Alcohol?
NIAAA says a majority of sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances, but it gives no exact percentage. It explains that alcohol-related assaults are very hard to count because the crime is typically underreported.
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We use your email only for this download.What NIAAA says
On its page about young adults ages 18 to 25 (updated March 2026), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says: “A majority of sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances.” The page does not give a percentage.
The same page says that one in five college women experience sexual assault during their time in college, and describes this as a long-standing finding that researchers have confirmed.
Why there is no exact number
NIAAA says estimating how many assaults are alcohol-related is very difficult because the crime is typically underreported. It adds that more national survey data are needed to get a better estimate.
Be careful with web pages that quote one exact percentage. We found no NIAAA figure to support that.
What it does not mean
Alcohol being present does not make the person who was assaulted responsible. Responsibility lies with the person who commits the assault.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know has been assaulted, you can contact campus security, a local rape crisis center or the police, and see a doctor. Laws and campus rules differ, so check yours. See also laws and travel.
People also ask
What percent of college sexual assaults involve alcohol?
NIAAA says a majority involve alcohol or other substances, and gives no exact percentage.
How many college women experience sexual assault?
NIAAA reports a long-standing finding that one in five college women experience sexual assault during their time in college.
Why is it hard to measure?
NIAAA says the crime is typically underreported, and more national survey data are needed.
Sources
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