NCJ Number
232481
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2010 Pages: 1071-1081
Date Published
September 2010
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Most research on school-based adolescent sexual victimization has lacked an explicit theoretical focus. This study examined whether an opportunity framework is appropriate for understanding adolescent school-based sexual harassment and sexual assault victimization using gender-specific multilevel analysis.
Abstract
Using a sample of middle and high school adolescents, this study examined the effects of individual-level indicators of opportunity on school-based sexual harassment and sexual assault victimization. In addition, the study explored the relative influence of school factors on student sexual victimization, including the potential moderating influence the school environment may have on the effects of individual-level indicators of opportunity. Finally, the study examined the potential differences in the correlates of sexual victimization across male and female adolescents. Several individual-level indicators of opportunity were associated with school-based sexual harassment and sexual assault for both males and females, although several important gender differences were observed. In addition, school factors directly and indirectly influenced sexual victimization. Findings suggest that an opportunity framework is appropriate for understanding school-based sexual harassment and sexual assault victimization, and that important gender differences do exist. The implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed. Tables, notes, and references (Published Abstract)