Violence in known-assailant sexual assaults

Abstract

This study examined characteristics of sexual assaults among a community-based sample of 1,162 women that were committed by unknown and known assailants. Assailant groups were examined on a continuum of familiarity that included strangers (30.6%), acquaintances known for less than 24 hours (13.9%), acquaintances known for more than 24 hours (40.2%), and current or previous husbands or boyfriends (15.3%). Client background, presentation information, and assault characteristics were examined through client self-report as well as clinician observation. The results of the study support the association of some assault characteristics and assailant-victim relationship status. In particular, variables related to coercion, violence, and physical trauma revealed that assaults by husbands or boyfriends were more violent and resulted in more physical trauma to victims than assaults by other known assailants. Overall, the results indicated that husband/boyfriend assaults were most similar to those committed by strangers.