Approximately what percentage of victims know the perpetrator?

• A. Approximately 30%
• B. Approximately 90%
• C. Approximately 60%
• D. Approximately 10%

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that most victims are harmed by someone they know. In domestic and sexual violence, the attacker is frequently a partner, ex-partner, family member, or acquaintance rather than a stranger. Because of this pattern, a figure around 90% best fits what surveys and research consistently show: about nine in ten victims report knowing the person who harmed them. The other options underestimate how often the perpetrator is someone familiar, implying a majority of assaults would be by strangers, which isn’t supported by the data. This understanding highlights why safety planning and outreach often focus on relationships and trusted individuals, not just strangers.