We hope this pamphlet will help you recognize danger signals and dispel some widespread misconceptions about sexual assaults. Sexual offenders cannot be stereotyped. They may be family members, acquaintances, friends, co-workers or total strangers. Their victims come from every age group, ethnic background and social standing. They prey upon the unsuspecting and the unprepared.
Some people have the wrong idea about sexual assault.
These ideas assume that sexual assault is a sexual crime - a crime that is motivated by desire. It is a violent crime, a hostile attack, to hurt and humiliate. Sex is only the weapon. Sexual assault is a felony. Simply defined, it is sexual intercourse, achieved or attempted without the victim's consent, and with the use or threat of force.