VIOLENCE IN KNOWN-ASSAILANT SEXUAL ASSAULTS

This study examined characteristics of sexual assaults among a communi ty-based sample of 1,162 women that were committed by unknown and know n assailants Assailant groups were examined on a continuum of familiar ity 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 backgr ound, presentation information, and assault characteristics were exami ned through client self-report as well as clinician observation. The r esults of the study support the association of some assault characteri stics and assailant-victim relationship status. In particular variable s related to coercion, violence, and physical trauma revealed that ass aults by husbands or boyfriends were more violent and resulted in more physical trauma to victims than assaults by other known assailants. O verall, the results indicated that husband/boyfriend assaults were mos t similar to those committed by strangers.