A growing literature on the impact of assault has given little consideration to the factors contributing to variations in victim reaction. This paper reviews the preassault and postassault variables that are associated with the recovery process. Among key factors are the psychosocial resources of the victim at entry to the crisis and the violence of the assault itself; however, variables often contribute differentially at different points in the recovery process. Subsequent discussion focuses on the methodological, theoretical, and policy implications of these findings.