Stranger Rape

Definition – 

There are 3 categories of stranger rape.

1. Blitz sexual assault- The perpetrator rapidly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact. Blitz assaults usually occur at night in a public place.

2. Contact sexual assault- The suspect contacts the victim and tries to gain her or his trust and confidence before assaulting her or him. Contact perpetrators pick their victims in bars, lure them into their cars, or otherwise try to coerce the victim into a situation of sexual assault.

3. Home invasion sexual assault- When a stranger breaks into the victim's home to commit the assault.

Common Reactions -

There are some very common emotions and moods to be expected after such an attack.

These include:

- Shock 
- Numbness 
- Loss of control 
- Disorientation 
- Helplessness 
- Sense of vulnerability
- Fear
- Self-blame for "allowing" the crime to happen 
- Feeling that these reactions are a sign of weakness

It is important to ensure the victim understands that they are not at fault or “allowed”  the crime to happen. They were merely an unfortunate victim of a heinous crime. The victim is entirely free of any blame or wrong-doing.