The Cedar Project * : historical trauma and vulnerability to sexual assault among young aboriginal women who use illicit drugs in two Canadian cities

Violence Against Women. 2015 Mar;21(3):313-29. doi: 10.1177/1077801214568356. Epub 2015 Feb 3.

Abstract

This study explored trends of sexual assault and associated risk factors within a cohort of young Aboriginal women who used drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, Canada, between 2003 and 2010. Results demonstrated no change in the trend of sexual assault over time; however, odds of sexual assault were significantly higher for women who had at least one parent who attended residential school, had experienced childhood sexual abuse, were involved in sex work, had been offered money to not use condoms, had used injection drugs, had injected cocaine and opiates daily, had binged with injection drugs, and had difficulty accessing clean syringes. Findings highlight the urgency of interventions addressing the complexity of risk and opportunities for healing.

Keywords: drug use; sexual assault; young Aboriginal women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects
  • Indians, North American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs