Rapists rarely match our stereotypes of who we believe is dangerous. Often, they are men with appealing looks and engaging personalities who are skilled at gaining women's trust. They test potential victims boundaries - over time, or at first meetings, to be sure that they won't be met with resistance. They attempt to catch their targets off guard in homes, cars, or in other private locations where they do not expect that others would intervene. They generally deny their assault, or suggest that survivors provoked them, or that sexual activity was consensual.
Rapists make active, conscious choices.
Regardless of any personal choices that survivors may make that create opportunities to exploit their trust, rapists remain exclusively responsible for the violent acts that they choose to inflict. Reducing our Vulnerability Sexual violence will end when individuals stop making the choice to be violent, and when societal norms change. As social change progresses, we can develop our personal knowledge and strength to reduce our vulnerability. Although not tangible like locks and alarms, this knowledge and strength provides the foundation for our self-defense and survival skills. Rapists often select potential victims using gut feeling.