Sexual Assault in Adolescents.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Banvard-Fox C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7702185 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents report higher rates of dating violence victimization compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Research on dating violence often neglects diversity in sexual and gender identities and is limited to experiences in relationships. Further, given that dating violence and alcohol use are comorbid, research on experiences of dating violence could provide insights into alcohol use disparities among SGM adolescents. We aimed to map patterns of relationship experiences, sexual and physical dating violence, and sexual and physical assault and explored differences in these experiences among SGM adolescents. Further, we examined how these patterns explained alcohol use. We used a U.S. non-probability national web-based survey administered to 13-17-year-old SGM adolescents (N = 12,534). Using latent class analyses, four patterns were identified: low relationship experience, dating violence and harassment and assault (72.0%), intermediate dating experiences, sexual harassment, and assault and low levels of dating violence (13.1%), high dating experiences, dating violence, and sexual assault (8.6%), and high dating experiences, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault (6.3%). Compared to lesbian and gay adolescents, bisexual adolescents reported more experiences with dating, dating violence, and sexual assault, whereas heterosexual adolescents reported fewer experiences with dating, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault. Compared to cisgender boys, cisgender girls, transgender boys, and non-binary/assigned male at birth adolescents were more likely to experience dating violence inside and outside of relationship contexts. Experiences of dating, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault were associated with both drinking frequency and heavy episodic drinking. Together, the findings emphasize the relevance of relationship experiences when studying dating violence and how dating violence and sexual harassment and assault might explain disparities in alcohol use.
| S-EPMC8917816 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC8356505 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background Sexual assault is a risk factor for poor mental health, yet its relationship to cardiovascular disease risk is not understood. We tested whether women with a sexual assault history had greater carotid atherosclerosis levels and progression over midlife. Methods and Results A total of 169 non-smoking, cardiovascular disease-free women aged 40 to 60 years were assessed twice over 5 years. At each point, women completed questionnaires, physical measures, phlebotomy, and carotid ultrasounds. Associations between sexual assault and carotid plaque level (score 0, 1, ≥2) and progression (score change) were assessed in multinomial logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, blood pressure, lipids, insulin resistance, and additionally depression/post-traumatic stress symptoms; 28% of the women reported a sexual assault history. Relative to non-exposed women, women with a sexual assault history had an over 4-fold odds of a plaque score of ≥2 at baseline (≥2, odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]=4.35 [1.48-12.79], P=0.008; 1, OR [95% CI]=0.49 [0.12-1.97], P=0.32, versus no plaque; multivariable); and an over 3-fold odds of plaque ≥2 at follow-up (≥2, OR [95% CI]=3.65 [1.40-9.51], P=0.008; 1, OR [95% CI]=1.52 [0.46-4.99], P=0.49, versus no plaque; multivariable). Women with a sexual assault history also had an over 3-folds greater odds of a plaque score progression of ≥2 (OR [95% CI]=3.48[1.11-10.93], P=0.033, multivariable). Neither depression nor post-traumatic symptoms were related to plaque. Conclusions Sexual assault is associated with greater carotid atherosclerosis level and progression over midlife. Associations were not explained by standard cardiovascular disease risk factors. Future work should consider whether sexual assault prevention reduces women's cardiovascular disease risk.
| S-EPMC8174296 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThere has been little systematic investigation of widespread reports of drugging and sexual assault. We sought to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault.MethodsBetween June 2005 and March 2007, a total of 977 consecutive sexual assault victims underwent screening for suspected drugging at 7 hospital-based sexual assault treatment centres. We defined victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault as those who presented to a centre within about 72 hours of being assaulted and who provided at least 1 valid reason for suspecting that she or he had been drugged and sexually assaulted. We used logistic regression modelling to compare victims of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault with other sexual assault victims, controlling for covariates.ResultsIn total, 882 victims were eligible for inclusion in the study. Of these, 855 (96.9%) were women, and 184 (20.9%) met the criteria for suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Compared with other victims, victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault were more likely to have presented to a large urban centre for care (odds ratio [OR] 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-3.65), to be employed (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.34-2.76), to have consumed over-the-counter medications (OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.47-6.38) and street drugs (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.12-2.62) in the 72 hours before being examined and to have used alcohol before the assault (OR 4.00, 95% CI 2.53-6.32).InterpretationSuspected drug-facilitated sexual assault is a common problem. Sexual assault services should be tailored to meet the needs of those experiencing this type of victimization.
| S-EPMC2645446 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThis study explores the impact of childhood sexual assault (CSA) on men's sexual function. There is limited understanding on the impact of CSA perpetrated against boys on later adult male sexual function, as there is a dearth of research on this topic. It was hypothesized that men reporting a history of CSA were more likely to report sexual function issues than men with no history of CSA.Material and methodsA cross-sectional survey study of 1,004 Czech men aged between 15 and 85 years (M = 42.8 years; Standard deviation = 17.6 years) have been conducted. The participants anonymously answered a questionnaire on multiple aspects of their life and sexuality. This questionnaire included sought data on history of CSA and self-reported intravaginal ejaculation latency time and the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function.Results25 men (2.5%) indicated a history of CSA. 71% of the perpetrators where known by the victims, with a minority declaring the crime to authorities (37.5%). Half of those reporting assault also reported sexual function issues in the present or at some time in their life. Significant correlations were recorded between a history of CSA and erectile dysfunction but not significantly with premature ejaculation.ConclusionsMen who reported a history of CSA are more likely to report sexual function issues than those who do not. The identified association between CSA and sexual function issues in adult life contributes to the small body of literature on the topic. When taking a sexual history, it is recommended to practitioner to include questions about CSA, considering its correlation with erectile dysfunction. An understanding of the relationship between CSA and adult sexual function helps practitioner to improve his patient's well--being and life satisfaction. Kamnerdsiri WA, Fox C, Weiss P, et al. Impact of Childhood Sexual Assault on Sexual Function in the Czech Male Population. J Sex Med 2020;8:446-453.
| S-EPMC7471123 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSexual assault (SA) can induce a negative impact on victims' mental health. Specialised SA services generally offer medical care and a forensic examination to SA victims. However, there is a large variation in how these services provide mental health support.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess mental health problems of SA victims attending the Belgian Sexual Assault Care Centres (SACCs) and identify predictors for victims' use of support from in-house psychologists.MethodHealth records of victims ≥ 16 years who presented within one week post-SA to one of the three Belgian SACCs between 25 October 2017 and 31 October 2019 were reviewed. An AIC-based stepwise backward binary logistic regression was used to analyse the association between victim, assault, service use and mental health characteristics and follow-up by a SACC-psychologist.ResultsOf the 555 victims, more than half had a history of mental health problems. Of those assessed, over 70% showed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and/or anxiety disorder. One in two victims consulted a SACC-psychologist. Victims with a mental health history (OR 1.46, p = .04), victims accompanied by a support person during acute care (OR 1.51, p = .04), and victims who were assaulted by an acquaintance in comparison to those assaulted by a stranger (OR 1.60, p = .039) were more likely to attend their appointment with the SACC-psychologist.ConclusionThe study reaffirms the high mental health burden among victims attending specialised SA services, stressing the need to provide effective mental health interventions at these services and improve their longer-term use by victims. Prescheduling of appointments with an in-house psychologist in combination with phone reminders may improve the uptake of such services. Health care providers must be vigilant about potential barriers faced by victims without a mental health history or social support in attending appointments with mental health professionals.
| S-EPMC10569350 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Sexual assault increases the risk for psychopathology. Despite the availability of effective interventions, relatively few victims who need treatment receive care in the months following an assault. Prior work identified several factors associated with utilizing care, including ethnicity, insurance, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Few studies, however, have examined predictors of treatment utilization prospectively from the time of assault. The present study hypothesized that White racial status, younger age, being partnered, having health insurance, having previously received mental health treatment, and having more PTSD and depression symptoms would predict utilization of care in the 6 months postassault. This was examined in a sample of 266 female sexual assault victims with an average age of 26.2 years, of whom 62.0% were White and 38.0% were African American assessed at 1.5 and 6 months postassault. Available information on utilizing care varied across assessments (1.5 months, n = 214; 3 months, n = 126; 6 months, n = 204). Significant predictors included having previously received mental health treatment (OR = 4.09), 1 day depressive symptoms (OR = 1.06), and having private insurance (OR = 2.24) or Medicaid (OR = 2.19). Alcohol abuse and prior mental health care were associated with a substantial increase in treatment utilization (OR = 4.07). The findings highlight the need to help victims at risk obtain treatment after sexual assault.
| S-EPMC4161950 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC11348335 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance consumption commonly co-occur in victims of sexual assault. Substance consumption can occur pre- andi/or post-assault. Pre-assault substance consumption may have an impact on the subsequent development of PTSD. This review aims to provide an overview of current understanding of the effects of acute substance intoxication and chronic pre-assault problematic substance use on symptoms of PTSD amongst individuals who were victims of sexual assault. Methods: PsycINFO, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched using terms related to PTSD, sexual assault, and substance consumption. These yielded 2,121 articles, 268 of which were retrieved for more detailed evaluation and 13 of these met inclusion criteria and were appraised in full. Results: Overall, the reviewed papers supported our hypothesis that acute substance intoxication and chronic pre-assault problematic substance use are associated with fewer initial PTSD symptoms but less improvement over time, resulting in slower overall PTSD recovery. They also highlighted post-assault characterological self-blame and negative social reactions as mediators of recovery in the context of pre-assault substance consumption. Conclusions: Acute substance intoxication and chronic pre-assault problematic substance use appear to have an impact on the development of PTSD symptoms amongst victims of sexual assault. The importance of developing early interventions and routine screening and assessment for PTSD and pre-assault substance consumption is emphasized. The limited research on male victims and on substances other than alcohol is highlighted.
| S-EPMC6424881 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivePrevious research has indicated high rates of sexual assault (SA) among US students (> 25%). Yet this type of investigation has been less frequent at European universities.MethodsWe conducted an investigation at three universities, two Dutch universities (N = 95 and N = 305) and one university in Belgium (N = 307). Students were asked to estimate the prevalence of SA, and to report about their personal experience. We defined SA as any situation in which students were inappropriately touched, forced to a sexual act without their consent, or were (sexually) verbally intimidated.Results56% of students (Location 1: n = 54/95; Location 2: n = 172/305; Location 3: n = 172/307) across all three samples reported experiencing SA. The disclosed assaults were mostly unwanted sexual contact (i.e., groping) by male strangers aged 18-35 years. One-third of the sample reported to have done nothing post-assault, and among those who took actions, the majority disclosed the assault to friends, but rarely to family members. Also, 3-5% of students (Location 1: n = 3; Location 2: n = 11; Location 3: n = 11) (falsely) denied the assault. Seeking justice and needing support were important motivators of action, whereas psychological factors (i.e., memory distrust) were antagonists of this. Finally, besides psychological factors, fear of interpersonal consequences (e.g., being labelled as a "drama queen") was a strong influence to either deny or try to forget the assault.ConclusionSA appears to be frequent among European students and further investigation including other European universities is warranted.
| S-EPMC10081757 | biostudies-literature