The risk of HIV transmission associated with a single heterosexual encounter is small. In fact, the majority of heterosexual persons with HIV-positive regular partners have not become seropositive. Data are not currently available on HIV infection among convicted rapists. However, the HIV tests given to prospective recruits for the armed forces indicate that 0.15 percent test positive for HIV. Applying this data to the 45,640 completed rapes in 1986 indicates that less than 1 case of AIDS would result each year in the United States among female rape survivors. Thus, medical personnel and those who counsel these survivors can assure the female that it is highly unlikely that she has contracted AIDS. The problems surrounding mandatory testing of offenders also suggest that the best way for victims to determine whether they have contracted HIV is to have themselves tested. Notes and 23 references.