In an adult non-stranger sexual assault, the offender typically uses which level of physical force?

• A. Maximum force
• B. No force at all
• C. The least amount of physical force necessary
• D. Only verbal threats

Answer: (C)

In adult non-stranger cases, the offender usually calibrates force to what is necessary to get compliance while minimizing risk to themselves. Because the person is an acquaintance or partner, overt violence is more likely to trigger resistance, disclosure, or intervention, so the perpetrator tends to rely on the smallest amount of physical force needed and often combines it with coercion, manipulation, or incapacitation. This pattern aims to maintain control with less chance of escalation or detection.

So the best choice captures that the offender uses the least amount of physical force necessary. While verbal threats or other tactics may be part of the approach, they describe aspects of coercion rather than the actual level of physical force used. Maximum force is not typical in non-stranger situations, and no force at all wouldn’t achieve the objective.