Aggravated Sexual Assault Statistics in Canada
Criminal Code — Section 273
Aggravated Sexual Assault in Canada: the numbers
Police-reported incidents, Statistics Canada table 35-10-0177, 2015 to 2025.
129
Incidents reported by police, 2025
0.3
Rate per 100,000 people
+7%
Change in rate since 2015
67%
Incidents cleared by a charge
Rate per 100,000 people, by year
Rate by province and territory, 2025
- 1.Nunavut7.2
- 2.Saskatchewan0.6
- 3.Nova Scotia0.6
- 4.Manitoba0.5
- 5.Quebec0.4
- 6.Newfoundland and Labrador0.4
- 7.Alberta0.3
- 8.Ontario0.3
- 9.British Columbia0.2
- 10.Yukon0.0
- 11.Northwest Territories0.0
- 12.Prince Edward Island0.0
- 13.New Brunswick0.0
Highest rates among metro areas, 2025
- 1.Drummondville2.6
- 2.Hamilton1.2
- 3.Regina1.0
- 4.Nanaimo0.8
- 5.Thunder Bay0.8
- 6.Halifax0.7
- 7.Lethbridge0.7
- 8.Peterborough0.7
- 9.Brantford0.6
- 10.Saskatoon0.5
What the law says
Aggravated sexual assault is the most serious sexual offence in Canada. It occurs when a person commits a sexual assault that wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers the life of the victim. This charge is reserved for the most violent sexual attacks resulting in severe physical injury or life-threatening harm.
Penalties
Classification
Indictable offence only.
Maximum Penalty
Maximum life imprisonment. Maximum life imprisonment. Minimum 5 years (7 for a repeat offence) if a restricted or prohibited firearm is used or the offence involves a criminal organization; minimum 4 years for any other firearm; minimum 5 years if the complainant is under 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aggravated sexual assault incidents are reported in Canada?
Police in Canada reported 129 incidents in 2025, a rate of 0.3 per 100,000 people (Statistics Canada).
Is aggravated sexual assault going up in Canada?
Yes. The police-reported rate rose 7% from 2015 to 2025.
Which province has the highest aggravated sexual assault rate?
Nunavut had the highest rate in 2025: 7.2 per 100,000 people.
How often does aggravated sexual assault lead to charges?
In 2025, 67% of reported incidents were cleared by a charge, and 76 people were charged (71 adults, 5 youth).
Related Offences
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