NCJ Number
160273
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 1457-1468
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data on unwanted and illegal sexual experiences in childhood and adolescence were collected through 342 anonymous surveys completed in three clinic sites: a pediatric sexual abuse, a family practice clinic, and a family planning clinic.
Abstract
Results revealed that in the family practice and family planning clinics, 40 percent of the females and 16 percent of the males had at least one unwanted sexual experience before age 18. Only 91 percent of the participants from the sexual abuse clinic indicated that their experience was unwanted. In addition, 27 percent of the participants had wanted sexual experiences that were illegal and underreported; these experiences involved a partner at least 4 years older or younger. Although feelings of victimization were most common, self blame and naivete about the abuse were also frequently reported, especially in those who had an unwanted sexual experience with a peer. Ambivalence, self-blame, and peer pressure were associated with a lower tendency to disclose an unwanted sexual experience. Although unwanted and illegal sexual experiences were less common in Hispanic females, feelings of self blame and ambivalence regarding their unwanted sexual experience were more frequent in comparison with white females. Findings have significant investigative and therapeutic implications for professionals who encounter sexual abuse victims. Tables, figure, and 24 references (Author abstract modified)