CSA & IPV among ethnically diverse college students: Development of an HIV & IPV prevention intervention

Background: Rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are surprisingly high, with 33% of women and 16% of men reporting experiences of CSA, and almost 50% of women and 8% of men being victims of IPV. Purpose: This study sought to examine support systems, HIV prevention, and feasibility of an online HIV/IPV intervention among survivors of CSA or IPV. Methods: Recruitment is still occurring to date; participants are recruited from an ethnically diverse undergraduate college in Southern California. Of eligible participants (n=72), mean age was 21.4 (82% female). Students having experienced CSA and/or IPV completed a comprehensive online assessment collecting information concerning CSA and IPV history and provided input regarding a proposed HIV and IPV prevention intervention. Results: Among those who experienced CSA, the average age of onset of abuse was 12.6 with abuse occurring by a friend or acquaintance (62%), relative (25%), or stranger (2%). In the past year, participants experienced: psychological aggression (45%), physical assault (21%), injuries (13%), and sexual coercion (16%). Of participants who have experienced abuse, 88% never received counseling or mental health treatment, 11% were treated previously, and only 1% was currently receiving treatment. Suggestions for the proposed intervention included, more time for session completion and visual replacement for text. Preventative skills and information presented were positively received. Conclusion: Present research can inform innovative and essential HIV and IPV research; this in turn can reduce comorbidity of adverse health behaviors associated with CSA and IPV (e.g., substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices).