NCJ Number
168304
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 21 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 823-832
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study measured the prevalence rate of rape among French adolescents, analyzed the associated health and behavioral problems, and determined the use of the health care system by rape victims.
Abstract
A national representative sample of 8,140 students who attended public secondary schools in France (grades 8 to 12) completed a self-administered questionnaire (274 questions) on health and behavioral problems (acceptance rate of 87 percent). Each rape victim in the sample (n=61) was matched to two nonvictims (n=122). The reported prevalence rate of rape was 0.8 percent (0.9 percent among girls and 0.6 percent among boys). For both boys and girls, there was a relationship between rape and current sleep difficulties, depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, tobacco consumption, and behavioral problems (running away, violent behavior, stealing, and school absenteeism). Additional problems were found for male rape victims: attempted suicide and regular use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Rape victims did consult health professionals, but the majority saw neither a mental health specialist nor a social worker. The findings show that rape victims, especially boys, have more behavioral problems and health problems than nonrape victims. Adolescents who have run away from home, attempted suicide, or manifested violent behavior should be systematically asked about rape. 5 tables and 32 references