Assault and rape are frightening and humiliating experiences during which the victim has no control over what happens. It is impossible for a man to rape a women unless he has a weapon such as a gun or knife. Assailants do not need a weapon to terrify victims into submission. Many are in fear of losing their lives or being hurt, regardless of whether or not the assailant has a weapon. Nice girls don't get assaulted or raped.
All women are vulnerable to sexual assault and rape.
All assaulters and rapists are strangers. Most are known to the victim - father, other relative, partner, acquaintance, friend, boyfriend, neighbor, colleague or boss. All assaults and rapes occur at night, on a dark street or in a park. Many occur during the day. Almost half of the rapes reported take place in the victim's home or the rapist's home.