NCJ Number
164859
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1996) Pages: 554-571
Date Published
1996
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Using a mail survey, this study investigated disclosure of sexual assault to members of one's social network in a convenience sample of sexual assault victims (n=155).
Abstract
The survey examined three sets of correlates (demographics, assault characteristics, and post-assault experiences) of the timing of sexual assault disclosure and subsequent social reactions received from social network members. Findings show that delayed disclosure was associated with a victim's childhood sexual assault history, completed rape, and avoidance coping; whereas, early disclosure was associated with offender pre- assault alcohol use and post-assault victim medical attention. Negative social reactions were more common among sexual assault victims who used avoidance coping and who told physicians or police about their assaults. Positive social reactions to victims were associated with victims' higher income, less physical injury due to the assault, less self-blame, less post-assault distress, and saying that a friend/relative or a rape crisis center was helpful in dealing with the aftermath of the assault. Implications of these results for research and the treatment of sexual assault survivors are discussed. 3 tables and 49 references