Sexual victimization as a risk factor for residential mobility: A case–control study using the Danish registry system

The Role of Sexual Violence in Creating and Maintaining Economic Insecurity Among Asset-Poor Women of Color

This article argues that economic instability and sexual violence reinforce each other in two ways. First, the devastating psychological consequences of sexual assault can diminish work performance and disrupt income, creating economic instability, particularly for the asset-poor. Latina and African American women face particular risk due to barriers to appropriate post-assault resources and low rates of asset ownership. Second, income- and asset poverty increase women’s risk for sexual violence and complicate recovery. Women with financial and social resources can leverage these assets to both avoid and recover from sexual assault, whereas women without such resources lack these options. Policy solutions are proposed.

Sexual victimization and anxiety and mood disorders: a case-control study based on the Danish registry system

Aims This study aimed to examine the relationship between rape and the subsequent psychiatric diagnosis of any anxiety or mood disorder.

METHOD

Data from the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish Psychiatric Central Register were used to identify a sample of female victims who had visited a centre for rape victims during an index year and their subsequent psychiatric records were compared with a matched control group.

RESULTS

While controlling for demographic variables and previous psychiatric disorders, the effect of sexual victimization increased the likelihood of a subsequent diagnosis of an anxiety disorder but not a mood disorder.

CONCLUSION

Sexual victimization significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing an anxiety disorder, and therefore victims require post-assault information and support.