Impact of Sexual Assault as a Function of Perpetrator Type

Abstract

The current study examines whether perpetrator type predicts impact of sexual assault. Women reporting a prior sexual assault by a cohabiting or marital partner, sexually intimate partner, nonsexual date, or acquaintance were compared on impact of event and current sexual satisfaction. Analyses showed group differences for impact of the event. Individuals in a cohabiting, marital, or acquaintance relationship reported more hyperarousal than did individuals in a dating or sexually intimate relationship. Additionally, married and cohabiting victims reported more hyperarousal than did women in the acquaintance group. Individuals sexually assaulted by a married or cohabiting partner reported more intrusive symptoms than did individuals in a dating or sexually intimate relationship. Furthermore, women in a sexually intimate relationship with their perpetrator reported lower intrusion scores than did individuals assaulted by an acquaintance.