Premises liability is a legal concept that puts a responsibility on property owners to protect visitors from harm. This responsibility includes keeping visitors safe from not only dangerous conditions, but also from criminal activity. Certain commercial structures like parking garages, apartment complexes, and nightclubs are prone to crime, so owners of these properties are expected to provide adequate security for visitors. This can include proper lighting, security gates, security cameras, or even security personnel. When property owners fail to take steps to secure a property, they can be held responsible when visitors are injured.  Entities such as Hotels, Universities, Fraternities/Sororities, Convention Centers, and other established business all have a responsibility to protect its patrons.

Oftentimes, sexual assaults take place in areas where previous crimes have been committed. In these instances, property owners knew of the risks present for visitors, but negligently chose not to take corrective action.