This research examines rates of self-reported sexual violence perpetration among a community sample of adult Australian residents. Data for this study were drawn from an online survey of Australian residents aged 18–45 years. The broader purpose of this survey was to understand the relationship between pornography use and sexual violence perpetration and victimisation.

The study examines the rate of sexual violence perpetration in a community sample of adult Australians. Data were collected through a survey of a proportional quota-based sample of 5,076 Australian residents aged 18–45 years.

Just over one in five respondents  had perpetrated one or more of the forms of sexual violence examined since turning 18 years of age, and one in 10 had done so in the past 12 months. Men were significantly more likely than women to have perpetrated any and each form of sexual violence examined, and to have perpetrated multiple forms of sexual violence.

Findings address the pressing need for estimates of the prevalence of sexual violence perpetration in Australia, which are critical to efforts to address it.