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Victims of Sexual Assault Often Know Their Perpetrator

Many Survivors Often Knew Their Attacker

Gathered statistics from various sources show the prevalence of sexual assault by perpetrators who know their victims. While the numbers speak for themselves, they may be higher.

Sadly, sexual assault goes underreported for many reasons, such as fear of victim-blaming, retaliation, and not being believed.

According to a 2015 survey, 1 in 5 women experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 women experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported the impact of intimate partner violence during their lifetime. Read on to learn the concerning statistics.

Perpetrators of Sexual Violence Statistics

Rape, Abuse & Incest Network (RAINN) reports the following statistics related to perpetrators of sexual assault that shows victims often know their attacker:

  • 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.
  • 19.5% of sexual assaults are committed by a stranger to the victim.
  • 39% of sexual assaults are committed by a victim’s acquaintance.
  • 33% of sexual assaults are committed by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
  • 6% of sexual assaults are committed by more than one person, or the victim cannot remember.
  • 2.5% of sexual assaults are committed by a non-spouse relative.

How Survivors Can Get Support

When you are ready to speak out against your perpetrator, getting help and support may seem impossible. However, many organizations are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault and abuse, including:

Sexual Assault Survivors Have The Right to Seek Justice

Sexual assault is one of the most heinous crimes a victim can endure. The aftermath of sexual assault on survivors is extremely damaging. Some of the long-term consequences include chronic physical pain, emotional instability, and other psychological problems. If you’re a sexual assault survivor, we want you to know that we believe you and the sexual violence you endured was not your fault. is here to help you when you’re ready to speak out against your perpetrator.

While challenging and emotionally taxing, speaking out and holding your perpetrator accountable for their criminal actions can help bring you closure. When you need help and support, our lawyers are ready to listen and guide you through the process. We’ll be your advocate to protect your rights.

When pursuing a sexual assault claim, we understand how challenging the process can be. is here to help you seek justice so you can move forward with your life.

Contact us today at (833) 456-3529 to learn your rights.

Sources:
Rape, Abuse & Incest Network (RAINN): Perpetrators of Sexual Violence: Statistics:
https://rainn.org/statistics/perpetrators-sexual-violence
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey
https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2015data-brief508.pdf

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