Adult sexual assault: Prevalence,symptomatology, and sex differences in the general population

Author: 
Elliott,Diana M
Mok,Doris S.
Briere,John
Reprint Status: 
IN FILE
Start Page: 
203
End Page: 
211
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Volume: 
17
Issue: 
3
Abstract: 
Key Points-- This national study found adult sexual assault prevalence rates of 22% among women and 3.8% among men. Survivors of adult sexual assault had higher rates of trauma symptoms than others. Summary-- Mailed surveys were completed by 469 men and 472 women (n=941). They were asked about physical and sexual assault experienced as children and as adults, and completed questions about trauma symptoms. Survivors of adult sexual assault had significantly more trauma symptoms than all other participants. Predictors being a survivor of adult sexual assault included younger age, female gender, being divorced, having experienced childhood sexual abuse, and being a survivor of childhood or adult physical assault. Women were more likely than men to have been sexually assaulted by a romantic partner (67% vs. 33%.) Women survivors of child sexual assault were twice as likely as female non-victims to experience sexual assault as adults. Men sexually assaulted as children were five times more likely than male non-victims to be sexually assaulted as adults. Limitations-- Although this study had an adequate response rate for a mailed survey (62%) it is not know if participants differed from non-participants. This was a retrospective study, and recall bias may have affected results. Because the number of men reporting sexual assault was relatively small, the prevalence rate should be considered preliminary.
Topic Areas: 
Effects; male rape; prevalence
Reference Type: 
JOUR
Reference ID: 
2486
Publication Date: 
2004/06