The profiles of people who commit sexual violence vary, although the majority are adult or adolescent males. Several factors can increase the risk of committing acts of sexual violence during one’s lifetime, without necessarily being the cause. These include past experiences of violence, belief in myths about sexual violence, and excessive alcohol consumption. Conversely, certain factors may reduce the risk of committing sexual violence, such as empathy towards others and strong social support.

This section presents strategies for preventing sexual violence from a public health perspective. It provides an overview of key prevention strategies supported by recognized public health organizations or by evidence from evaluation studies. This section does not list specific prevention programs.