NCJ Number
209385
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 103-129
Date Published
April 2005
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This review of the literature on sexual revictimization covers approximately 90 empirical studies that address prevalence, risk factors, and correlates of sexual revictimization.
Abstract
The studies examined the following types of sexual revictimization: sexual victimization prior to age 15 and sexual victimization during adolescence (15 to 18 years old), or adulthood (older than 18); sexual victimization during adolescence and during adulthood; or sexual victimization during adolescence or adulthood by more than one perpetrator. The literature shows that sexual revictimization is a common occurrence, with child sexual abuse being a significant risk factor for revictimization. Some studies indicate that sexual assault during adolescence increases the risk of revictimization as an adult compared to the risk linked to childhood sexual abuse. Recent victimization increases the risk of revictimization. The likelihood of sexual revictimization apparently increases with cumulative trauma, such as the co-occurrence of childhood physical abuse and sexual abuse. Preliminary findings associate being a member of an ethnic minority or a dysfunctional family with increased risk of sexual revictimization. A correlation has been found between sexual revictimization and having a psychiatric disorder; addiction problems; and difficulties in interpersonal, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. Sexual assault prevention programs have apparently been effective in changing attitudes but are less effective in actually reducing revictimization. The most promising programs have longer and more involved interventions. Pilot studies of therapeutic interventions for those sexually revictimized have reduced symptoms. 2 tables and 103 references