Gender-specific lifetime prevalence and patterns of non-partner sexual violence in iran: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Few studies exist on non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), particularly in Asian countries. This gender-based study investigated the lifelong prevalence of overall NPSV, including non-contact and contact NPSV and rape, and compared demographic and sexual information between individuals with and without NPSV. A nationwide cross-sectional study surveyed 938 married Iranian adults (596 women, 342 men), aged 18–73, using online and in-person convenience sampling from 2022 to 2023. Tools included demographic and sexual information questions, an NPSV detection item, and questions exploring patterns of three NPSV types. The overall prevalence of NPSV was 26.3% in women and 19.9% in men. Lifetime rates in women were 16.9% (non-contact), 12.2% (contact), and 5.9% (rape), with under-18 rates of 12.9%, 7%, and 1%, respectively. For men, lifetime rates were 13.5% (non-contact), 9.9% (contact), and 2.6% (rape), with under-18 rates of 12.8%, 7.6%, and 1.1%, respectively. Only rape prevalence was significantly higher among women compared to men (p=.02). In this study, one quarter of individuals reported experiencing at least one type of NPSV, though actual rates may be higher due to underreporting. No gender differences were found in non-contact or contact NPSV prevalence. Non-contact NPSV occurred mostly before age 13, while contact peaked between 13 and 18 years. Rape was mainly reported after age 18 in women and between 13 and 18 years in boys. Men experienced earlier, more frequent, and severe abuse, yet were less likely to report it, especially to parents. Both NPSV + men and women reported worse economic conditions, increased substance use, and more paraphilic behaviors. NPSV+ women reported higher age at first consensual sex, reduced sexual communication, more masturbation, and extramarital affairs. NPSV + men noted higher self-perceived pornography addiction. Although lower NPSV prevalence compared to global rates is promising, targeted social awareness and prevention programs remain urgently needed. This study examined unwanted sexual experiences caused by people other than a partner—called non-partner sexual violence (NPSV)—in married Iranian adults. These experiences included three types: non-contact (e.g., being forced to watch sexual content), contact (e.g., unwanted touching), and rape (forced sexual intercourse). We surveyed 938 married men and women from all 31 provinces of Iran, using both online and in-person questionnaires. Overall, 26.3% of women and 19.9% of men reported experiencing at least one type of NPSV in their lifetime, showing a lower estimation than the global rate. Non-contact type was reported in 16.9% of women against 13.5% of men, contact in 12.2% of women versus 9.9% of men, and rape in 5.9% of women compared to 2.6% of men, which showed no gender differences between non-contact and contact NPSV. In both genders, the majority of all types of NPSV occurred under age 18 years, except for rape in women. The mean age of exposure, and also the severity of sexual abuse, for non-contact was lowest and for rape was highest. The low reporting of all types of NPSV rates in both genders and high incidence of rape among individuals over 18 (83% of rape cases in women and 56% in men) is concerning. Across all NPSV types, men, compared to women, experienced abuse at younger ages, more frequently, and were less likely to report it—especially to their parents—which often resulted in more severe abuse, emphasizing prevention programs that address cultural and gender-specific needs.