Violence, injury, and presentation patterns in spousal sexual assaults

This study examined the nature and extent of coercion, violence, and physical injury among victims of sexual assaults committed by spouses (n = 97) and compared these to sexual assaults committed by boyfriends (n = 256) and acquaintances (n = 194). The results of the study reveal that women assaulted by spouses reported for treatment sooner than other groups of women and were more likely to call the police. Although assaults committed by spouse and boyfriend assailants were generally more physically violent and resulted in more victim injury than assaults by acquaintances, an overall linear relationship between variables and the degree of victim-perpetrator familiarity was not found. These results challenge the enduring stereotypes suggesting spousal sexual assaults are less serious and less violent.