Most sexual violence in Madrid is committed by men known to their victims, according to a study presented by the city council's Social Policies, Family and Equality department, dated to late 2025.
The report found that 65% of attackers were known to the victim, compared with 28% who were strangers. In 54% of cases, the attacker was the victim's ex-partner. That was followed by a work or study colleague at 13%, a friend at 11%, a family member at 9%, a boss at 6%, and a current partner at 5%.
Most Attacks Happen at Home
The study found that 60% of attacks took place in private spaces, challenging the common assumption that sexual violence typically occurs on the street or at night. Some 76% of women who reported experiencing such situations said they took place in their own home.
The report drew on responses from 2,061 women aged 16 to 64, all residents of Madrid. Of those, 350 women, or 13.8%, said they had experienced some form of sexual violence. Among those women, 68% said they were left with lasting effects, and 61% said they did not file a formal complaint.
Who the Victims Are
The study found that 78% of the women who reported experiencing sexual violence were Spanish. The most represented age group was 45 to 54 years old, accounting for 28% of cases, and 38% had completed higher education.
The most commonly reported types of assault were unwanted touching at 23%, verbal comments at 21%, lewd staring at 16%, caressing at 12%, kissing at 12%, oral sex at 8%, and intercourse at 7%.
