Female Adolescent Victims of Sexual Abuse: Differences Based on Perpetrator Identity
Adolescent females in a rural southern state who were sexually active were compared with adolescent females who met inclusion criteria for sexual abuse, on behavioral measures, namely; multiple sex partners, pregnancy, assaulted, depressed, illegal drug use, suicide plans and young sex initiation. Victimization classification categories were based upon the identity of the perpetrator; immediate family member (N=316), boyfriend (N=237), external family member (N=60), and other or stranger (N=143). Risky profiles utilizing odds ratios compared the different victimization groups with the sexually active group. Results showed that the victimized group where perpetrators were immediate family members only differed from the sexually active group on risk for pregnancy. The other perpetrator groups showed increased risk for most of the seven measures. Implications from this study identify the perpetrator’s identity as an important factor in determining the impact of victimization and subsequent behavioral profiles. School counselors, mental health counselors and medical personal should be aware that the consequences of abuse vary widely among victims and the identity of the perpetrator may be an important consideration in identifying abuse. Recommendations are that mental health personnel consider incorporating this information in their screening criteria.
Learning Objectives: Participants will recognize makers that may indicate possible sexual abuse. Participants will identify different profiles for sexual abuse victims dependent on the identiy of the perpetrator. Participants will discuss how the perpetrator's identity may impact on screening regiments
Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Assault
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.