Post-trauma beliefs about the safety of the world and one's own invulnerability are thought to influence post-trauma reactions. In addition to evaluating two trauma characteristics as predictors of PTSD, the authors of this study also attempted to reduce the confound of assault brutality. Results indicated that women assaulted in locations rated as safe had significantly more severe overall PTSD symptoms than women assaulted in dangerous locations. However, contrary to the authors' prediction, women assaulted by dangerous assailants reported significantly more severe PTSD symptoms than women assaulted by assailants rated as safe. Assault brutality and violation of safety expectations may represent two distinct aspects of the assault, both influencing the severity of post-trauma reactions. Tables, references