Is sexual assault most often committed by strangers?
No. Most (69%) are committed by men known to the woman. Usually boyfriends, marital partners, friends, family members or neighbours.

I have heard it said that women who are sexually assaulted (raped) asked for it? Is that true?

Definitely not! Victims of assault are dressed in a wide variety of clothes, and come in all age groups and physical types. No woman asks for it!

There was a physical assault, such as a weapon, will there be real harm or long-term effects?

All women sexually assaulted, with or without violence, feel anger, fear, and can become more cautious and less trusting. Even women who have been assaulted through the use of “date rape drugs” such as Halcyon are deeply affected by the experience.