My experience of the Millenium Trilogy is entirely through the marvelous narration of Saul Reichlin.  I have to say that I didn't find the assault scenes shocking when he read them.  I didn't read the words myself and haven't seen the movie.

I was subsequently surprised to find out that people found those scenes uncomfortable.

I should say also that I didn't know that she got her own back, and when she does I was able to listen without revulsion.  I usually dislike graphic sex or violence in novels and films and agree with you David that it's mostly unnecessary.

Mary