What characterizes stranger rape?

Stranger rape is characterized by the situation in which the victim is unaware of the attack beforehand. This means that the victim does not have any prior relationship or familiarity with the perpetrator, distinguishing it from other forms of sexual assault where the attacker may be an acquaintance or intimate partner. In the context of stranger rape, the element of surprise plays a significant role, as the victim is typically caught off-guard by the sudden and unexpected nature of the assault.

Choosing this option highlights the critical aspect of unfamiliarity and lack of consent in such incidents, which are key elements in understanding the dynamics of stranger rape. In contrast, the other options relate to known relationships, timing of reporting, or familiarity, which do not apply to the specific definition of stranger rape.