Sexual assault is among the most underreported crimes, and most rapists are not convicted. Sexual assault is committed by women and men in same-gender and opposite-gender relationships. Most rapists are straight men in their late adolescence or early twenties. Most victims are women. Sexual assault includes:
• acquaintance rape—when someone the assailant knows is forced to have sexual intercourse
• marital rape—when one spouse forces the other to have sexual intercourse
• stranger rape—when the attacker is not known by the person who is attacked
• gang rape—when two or more people sexually assault another (also known as fraternity or party rape)
It is difficult for people to report that they have been sexually assaulted by someone they know. They do not want to believe anyone they trust or love could hurt them in this way.
Men who commit sexual assault
Here are some of the attributes common in men who commit sexual assault:
• They often lack self-confidence from an early age.
• They are often hypermasculine, or very “macho.”
• Many were victims of sexual abuse as children or adolescents.
• Many witnessed violence in their families.
• Many committed assault during their childhood and adolescence.
• Many are hostile toward women and believe aggression, dominance, and physical violence are part of male sexuality.
• Many rely on peers to support their feelings that rape and sexual assault are justified if the women in their lives don’t behave the way the men want them to.
• Many have problems with erection and ejaculation while committing sexual assault, although not with consenting partners.
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