The present study investigates how known correlates of violent victimization against women vary for separate racial and ethnic groups in their effects on the risk of rape and sexual assault victimization. This research also uncovers important mechanisms underlying these differences. One of the key substantive findings is that upon close examination, White women show highest levels of risk for rape and sexual assault compared to both Black and Hispanic females, when sociodemographic factors(including age, place of residence, marital status, poverty status and exposure to other types of violent victimization) are controlled for. Theoretical, policy and methodological implications of the findings are addressed.