In acquaintance rape, the attacker can be a friend, relative, spouse, lover, neighbor, co-worker, employer, employee, etc.
Women are more vulnerable to acquaintance rape then to attack by a stranger.
An acquaintance is more likely to have access to information about the victim's like and habits. The victim may trust the acquaintance. Knowing the attacker also inhibits many women from defensive action, because they fear harming the attacker. Many victims of acquaintance rape are initially unable to identify their experience. Some react by denying the significance of the incident.