Fact check: Is it true nine in 10 women are raped

1. Summary of the results

The claim that nine in 10 women are raped is not supported by the analyses provided from various sources ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}. According to the analyses, the statistics on rape and sexual violence against women are significantly lower than the claimed ratio. For instance, one source reports that nearly 1 in 5 women (18.3%) have been raped in their lifetime ^[1], while another source states that one in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime ^[2]. Additionally, multiple sources consistently report that 1 in 6 U.S. women have experienced attempted or completed rape in their lifetime ^{[3] [2] [4]}. These findings contradict the original statement, suggesting that the actual prevalence of rape among women is substantially lower than nine in 10.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the definition of rape and the timeframe considered ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Different sources may have different definitions and criteria for what constitutes rape, which could impact the reported statistics. Furthermore, the original statement lacks geographical context, as the prevalence of rape can vary significantly across different regions and countries ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the impact of underreporting on the actual prevalence of rape, are also not considered in the original statement ^[4]. It is essential to acknowledge that the available data might not capture the full scope of the issue due to underreporting and other factors.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears to be an exaggeration of the actual prevalence of rape among women, which could be misleading and potentially harmful ^{[1] [2] [3]}. This misinformation could be used to manipulate public opinion or create unnecessary fear. The sources that could benefit from this framing are those that aim to sensationalize the issue or create a specific narrative ^{[2] [4]}. On the other hand, organizations that focus on providing accurate information and support to survivors of sexual violence, such as RAINN ^{[3] [4]}, would likely be hindered by the spread of misinformation. It is crucial to rely on credible sources and accurate data when discussing sensitive topics like rape and sexual violence to ensure that the conversation is informed and respectful ^{[6] [7] [8]}.