Sexual Revictimization in Adult Women: Examining Factors Associated with Their Childhood and Adulthood Experiences

• NCJ Number: 241965
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: September - October 2012 Pages: 593-611
• Author(s): Cassandra Simmel; Judy L. Postmus; Inseon Lee
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-IJ-CX-1037
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between the experience and disclosure of childhood sexual abuse and subsequent adult sexual violence.

Abstract

Using data collected from a sample of adult women (n = 234), this study examined the relationship between the experience and disclosure of childhood sexual abuse and subsequent adult sexual violence. Multivariate analyses revealed that physical force during the childhood sexual abuse experience was significant in both children's decisions to disclose as well as in adult revictimization experiences. Furthermore, childhood disclosures were significantly associated with adulthood disclosures about revictimization, but only when there was no action following the childhood disclosure. The implications for enhancing training and education about understanding and responding to children and women's disclosures about sexual violence are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.