Impact of sexual assault as a function of perpetrator type

The current study examines whether perpetrator type predicts impact of sexu al assault. Women reporting a prior sexual assault by a cohabiting or marit al partner, sexually intimate partner, nonsexual date, or acquaintance were compared on impact of event and current sexual satisfaction. Analyses show ed group differences for impact of the event. Individuals in a cohabiting, marital, or acquaintance relationship reported more hyperarousal than did i ndividuals in a dating or sexually intimate relationship. Additionally, mar ried and cohabiting victims reported more hyperarousal than did women in th e acquaintance group. Individuals sexually assaulted by a married or cohabi ting partner reported more intrusive symptoms titan did individuals in a da ting or sexually intimate relationship. Furthermore, women in a sexually in timate relationship with their perpetrator reported lower intrusion scores titan did individuals assaulted by an acquaintance.