Service patterns of adult survivors of childhood versus adult sexual assault/abuse

J Child Sex Abus. 2009 Nov;18(6):655-72. doi: 10.1080/10538710903317265.

Abstract

This analysis compared the characteristics and service patterns of adult survivors of childhood sexual assault/abuse and adult survivors of adult sexual assault/abuse. Utilizing data from sexual assault crisis centers serving survivors in a Midwestern state over a six year period and controlling for revictimization, we describe and compare the demographic characteristics, referral sources, and service patterns of the two groups. Results indicate that paths into service differ for the two groups. Furthermore, adult survivors of childhood sexual assault/abuse obtain significantly more hours of service and service contacts on average than adult survivors of adult sexual assault/abuse. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Rape / psychology*
  • Rape / statistics & numerical data*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult