WHO IS THE VICTIM?

The victim can be anyone, but females between the ages of 15-24 are most likely to be the target of sexual assault.  Boys and young men can be the victims of sex offenders who manipulate or force them into unwanted sexual relationships.

WHO IS THE OFFENDER?

75-80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.  The offender in sexual assault cases is typically male.  Most offenders in child sexual assaults occur between people of the same race.

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?

Stranger rape occurs at all times of the day.  Date Rape or acquaintance rape occurs most frequently on Weekends between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN?

More than 1/2 of all sexual assaults are committed in the victim's or offender's home.  Date Rape is more likely to occur in the rapist's home.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

No one asks to be a victim of a violent act.  No one is responsible for someone else's violent behavior.  The motive for rape is the need for the offender to feel powerful and in control.  Rapists are not driven by uncontrollable sexual urges.  Studies of convicted rapists have found that the majority have consenting sexual partners.  Many offenders were abused as children and have not learned how to function in normal relationship patterns.