However, despite recent revisions, the NCVS does not ask about rape and sexual assault explicitly. Unless the respondent asks what is meant by sexual assault, the definition of rape is solely in the mind of the respondent. The interviews are conducted over the telephone and other household members may be present. Finally, questions about rape are put into a violent crime context that is not associated with the typical rape. The major disadvantage of victimization surveys is that they are extremely expensive.
Rape has a relatively low incidence rate.
A survey of the population is not financially feasible because a large sample is needed to reliably project statewide victim rates. All rights reserved.