This study examined the variables differentiating singly victimized youth from multiply victimized youth.
Youths victimized by violent or traumatic events often suffer numerous mental and physical deleterious outcomes. It is important to develop more knowledge about multiple victimization in order to develop secondary prevention programs for youths at greatest risk for future violent or traumatic events. The current study drew on a national probability sample of 4,023 adolescents who completed telephone interviews regarding their victimization history and risk and protective factors, including familial alcohol and drug problems. Results of statistical analysis offer a description of victimization characteristics; boys who reported multiple victimizations also reported family alcohol problems, Native American race, and earlier age at assault onset. Girls who reported multiple victimization also reported family alcohol problems, older current age, earlier age at onset, acquaintance perpetrator for the initial assault, perceived life threat, and injury. The findings suggest that secondary prevention programs might be more effective at reducing multiple victimization by broadening risk-reduction strategies to encompass a greater range of victimization experiences. Future research should focus on how to effectively broaden primary prevention programs to facilitate secondary prevention efforts. Tables, references