What is a key characteristic of repeat perpetrators of sexual assault?

Repeat perpetrators of sexual assault are a small percentage of total assailants but are responsible for a significant portion of these crimes. This characteristic is particularly important to understand because it highlights the nature of sexual violence as not merely an act committed by random individuals, but often by those who have a pattern of such behavior. Focusing on this aspect allows for better targeting of prevention and intervention strategies, as addressing the behavior of repeat offenders can potentially reduce the overall incidence of sexual violence.

In contrast, while it is true that many crimes go unreported or that certain offenders may be physically intimidating, these factors do not specifically define the repeat perpetrators themselves. Similarly, the relationship between the perpetrator and victim can vary greatly, and while many offenders may be known to their victims, the defining feature of repeat offenders is their persistent engagement in this violent behavior.