NCJ Number
209568
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 526-532
Date Published
May 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined the extent to which sexual assault is a comparable experience for male and female victims by examining the demographic characteristics of victims and the social and interpersonal context of assault.
Abstract
Data were obtained through a chart review of the San Francisco Rape Treatment Center for the years 1992 to 1996. Data were obtained for 842 women and 128 men. Only individuals with complete chart information were included in this study. These victims were apparently best able to communicate with nurse examiners. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 9.0. Categorical variables were compared by using the chi-square test, and continuous variables were compared by using the t test. The data suggest that minority sexual orientation may be associated with male risk for sexual assault; and minority ethnicity may be associated with the risk of assault primarily for women. Current psychiatric symptoms and a history of mental illness and psychiatric hospitalization were overrepresented in both men and women, but were significantly more prevalent among male victims. Prior sexual and physical assault, including assaults in childhood, were also overrepresented in the sample, but did not differ by gender. Female victims were more likely to experience injury and penetration and were also more likely to report the assault to police. This and further research on gender differences in the sexual assault experience and posttrauma effects can assist in tailoring services according to a victim's gender. 3 tables and 4 references