Sexual violence is more common than many people realize—and more complex than what’s shown in TV dramas or headlines. Whether you’re here to better understand the issue or support a loved one, it’s important to know the facts. At the heart of it all is this truth: Sexual violence is never the victim’s fault.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It can happen to anyone—and it often involves someone the victim knows.
Sexual assault can include:
- Attempted rape
- Unwanted sexual touching or fondling
- Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts (such as oral sex or penetration)
- Penetration of the victim’s body without consent (this is legally defined as rape)
- Coercing or manipulating someone into sex using threats, lies, guilt, or intimidation
- Engaging in sexual activity with someone who is unable to give consent due to age, intoxication, disability, or unconsciousness
Sexual assault is about power and control—not desire. And it doesn’t require physical violence to be serious. Emotional manipulation, threats, or psychological pressure are just as harmful and just as real.
What Is Rape?
Rape is a specific kind of sexual assault. Legally, “rape” refers to any non-consensual penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus by any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, rape is defined as:
“Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”
Acts of rape include:
- Vaginal or anal penetration without consent
- Oral sex forced upon a victim
- Penetration using fingers or objects without consent
- Rape while the victim is incapacitated (asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to give consent)
The language and laws around rape vary by state. To understand how your state defines rape and other forms of sexual assault, visit RAINN’s State Law Database.
What Does “Force” Mean?
When people hear “force,” they often think of physical violence. But force can also be emotional, verbal, or psychological. Perpetrators might:
- Use threats (“If you don’t, I’ll hurt you or someone you love”)
- Manipulate the victim’s emotions or trust
- Use authority or power to pressure the victim
- Take advantage of someone’s inability to consent
Consent must be clear, coherent, willing, and ongoing. Past relationships, flirtation, or previous sexual activity do not count as consent for future acts.
Who Commits Sexual Assault?
In about 8 out of 10 cases, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows—an acquaintance, a partner, a friend, or even a family member. This kind of violence is often called intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape.
60% of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.
31% are committed by strangers; 28.3% are committed by well-known or casual acquaintances; 21.4% are committed by intimate partners; 13.1% are committed by other relatives; 3.7% are committed by an unknown number of perpetrators; 2.5% are committed by someone with an unknown relationship to the victim. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2016 (2017). Criminal Victimization, 2023.
See More Facts & StatisticsOne common but misleading term is “date rape,” which can minimize the severity of the crime and obscure the fact that the victim may not have been romantically interested in the perpetrator.
Acquaintance rape can happen in many relationships, including:
- Dating partners
- Friends or classmates
- Neighbors
- Friends of friends
Stranger assaults are less common but still serious. They can include:
- Blitz assault: A sudden, violent attack in a public space
- Contact assault: When a perpetrator builds trust before assaulting the victim—like a stranger who helps carry groceries to the car of someone they intend to victimize
- Home invasion: When a stranger breaks into the victim’s home
What You Can Do
Healing from sexual assault or rape is a process—and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Here are a few steps that can help:
- Reach out. You can contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone, chat, or text. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
- Report the crime. Learn about your reporting options and what to expect from the criminal justice system.
- Find a trauma-informed therapist. Look for professionals who specialize in supporting survivors of sexual trauma. Learn more.
It’s Never the Survivor’s Fault
Survivors often question themselves: Did I lead them on? Was I too drunk? Should I have fought back?
The answer is always: No. Nothing you do, say, wear, or feel ever makes you responsible for someone else’s choice to harm you.
You are not alone. You deserve support. And you deserve to be heard.
Legal Disclaimer
The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) website provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date. The information is not presented as a source of legal advice. You should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made within the website or by any externally referenced Internet sites. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. RAINN does not assume any responsibility for actions or non-actions taken by people who have visited this site, and no one shall be entitled to a claim for detrimental reliance on any information provided or expressed.
Last updated: July 10, 2025