Childhood sexual abuse among Black women and White women from two-parent families

The Strong Black Woman Archetype and Therapeutic Outcomes: Examining Relationships Among Women with Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories

The Strong Black Woman archetype (SBWA) describes a cultural pattern where Black women are expected to and present as physically and mentally strong, regardless of past and ongoing stressors. The SBWA has served the historical purpose of aiding survival for Black women throughout years of racial and gender oppression. However, the practice has also been associated with adverse mental health and with behaviors, such as self-silencing, that could impede therapeutic process. The purpose of this empirical study was to investigate the relationships between adherence to the SBWA and therapeutic outcomes (i.e., satisfaction with therapy, satisfaction with therapist, perceptions of one's global improvement in therapy) among Black women with childhood sexual abuse histories-a subpopulation at increased need for mental health treatment and who may be susceptible to high levels of adherence to the SBWA. Black adult female participants (N = 103) completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire, an assessment of SBWA endorsement, and treatment outcomes from their current or most recent therapy experience. Three hierarchical linear regressions were conducted with SBWA as the independent variable and (i) satisfaction with therapist, (ii) satisfaction with therapy, and (iii) global improvement as the dependent variables. Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that SBWA inversely predicted satisfaction with therapy and the therapist. While the relationship between SBWA and global improvement was statistically significant, the finding was not practically significant. Still, our study findings suggest that higher levels of SBWA predict less favorable therapy outcomes. Future research directions and clinical implications are discussed.

When Disclosure Fails to Substantiate Abuse: Child and Perpetrator Race Predict Child Sexual Abuse Substantiation

We examined the effects of child race, perpetrator race, and abuse disclosure status (within the context of a formal forensic interview) on abuse substantiation outcomes. Specifically, we coded child sexual abuse disclosure, abuse substantiation, and race of 315 children (80% girls, M age = 10, age range = 2-17; 75% White, 9% Black, 12% Biracial, 3% Hispanic, 1% Asian) who underwent a child forensic interview in a Midwestern child advocacy center. Supporting hypotheses, abuse substantiation was more likely in cases involving (a) abuse disclosure (vs. no disclosure), (b) White children (vs. children of color), and (c) perpetrators of color (vs. White perpetrators). Also supporting hypotheses, the effect of abuse disclosure on increased abuse substantiation was greater for White children than for children of color. This research suggests that even when children of color disclose their experiences of sexual abuse, they nonetheless face barriers to abuse substantiation.

Childhood Sexual Trauma and Subjective Cognitive Decline: An Assessment of Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Orientation Disparities

Prior studies examining the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the racial/ethnic and sexual orientation disparities in the association between CSA and SCD. Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CSA and SCD adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. There were statistically significant differences in CSA status by age, gender, income, education, employment, and health status (depression). Black and Hispanic/Latine respondents had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to White populations. Also, sexual minority populations had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to heterosexual populations. Health disparities exist in the association between CSA and SCD. Trauma-informed interventions should be implemented among affected populations.

Being fast or cautious? Sociocultural conditions influencing the sexual pathways of Black females in the United States

BACKGROUND

Black females in the United States face unique sociocultural conditions that impact their sexual development and increase their risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI), including but not limited to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Research has not adequately explained how sociocultural conditions contribute to this increased risk. The purpose of our investigation was to explore the sociocultural conditions that influence Black cisgender females risk for STI.

METHODS

This grounded theory study involved in-depth audio-recorded interviews with 20, primarily heterosexual, Black females ages 19-62.

RESULTS

Findings informed a conceptual model that builds on previous theory about the sexual development of Black females and explains how sociocultural conditions impact two, participant identified, sexual pathways: Fast and Cautious. Movement on these sexual pathways was not always a linear trajectory; some participants shifted between pathways as their sociocultural contexts changed (i.e., sexual assault, STI, and level of protection). The Fast sexual pathway often led to greater STI risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This model may inform future research designed to prevent STI/HIV and promote the sexual health of Black females across the life course.

Black Female Sexuality: Intersectional Identities and Historical Contexts

Black females experience significant sexual health disparities. Intersectionality theory offers nurses a framework to address health disparities. Intersectionality theory examines how categorical identities of difference confer power or oppression, affect social interactions, and influence individuals' engagement with institutional structures. This secondary analysis of qualitative data details the damaging effects that power, oppression, and disadvantaged identities have on the sexual health of Black women. Twenty participants explained how the intersection of race, gender, age, education, and sexuality influences sexual health risk. Our expanded model of intersectionality theory emphasizes historical context with implications for research, practice, and education to promote health equity.

The Price of Pre-adolescent Abuse: Effects of Sexual Abuse on Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

INTRODUCTION

Childhood abuse is a major public health concern and a risk factor for subsequent poor maternal mental health. This study of 176 racially diverse women explored the associations between the histories of childhood sexual abuse and depression and anxiety during pregnancy, at six weeks postpartum, and 12 weeks postpartum.

METHODS

Data on depressive and anxiety symptoms were gathered during pregnancy, at six weeks postpartum, and 12 weeks postpartum. Sociodemographic data were collected during pregnancy, while data on childhood sexual abuse were gathered during the 12-week postpartum period. Bivariate analyses and repeated mixed-effects linear regression with bootstrapping were used to assess the association between childhood sexual abuse and perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

Childhood sexual abuse was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = 2.52, 95% CI 1.72, 3.32, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = 4.44, 95% CI 3.70, 5.81, p < .001) over time, while controlling for demographic characteristics and lifetime major depression and anxiety. Depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased over the perinatal period and were highest during pregnancy. Black women were more likely to report higher depressive symptoms (β = 1.35, 95% CI 0.51, 2.19, p = .002) and anxiety symptoms (β = 3.29 95% CI 1.72, 4.87, p < .001) over time compared to White women.

DISCUSSION

The results highlight the importance of assessing the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse on perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms to help inform the development of interventions for women, particularly Black women.

Male-On-Male Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse in the Caribbean Region of Colombia: A Secondary Analysis of Medico-Legal Reports

Child and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) is an important global health problem, especially in non-Western low- and middle-income countries. A number of studies have indicated that, in Latin American countries, male CSA is phenomenon of great concern. However, research on this topic is seriously lacking, and more specifically, on male-on-male CSA. We carried out a qualitative and quantitative secondary analysis of 680 cases of alleged male-on-male CSA that occurred between the years 2017 and 2018 in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. We analyzed the contents of forensic interviews with the alleged victims, conducted by professionals working at the Colombian Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Our findings indicated a high prevalence of cases of alleged male-on-male CSA among young minors. Most of these cases were allegedly perpetrated by offenders known to the victim and involved high levels of violence. Evidence-based and culturally grounded preventative actions, such as training-based programs for teachers and parents among other public health initiatives are needed to address this type of CSA. Further research is also required to gain a more fine-grained understanding of the cultural and social context of CSA in the Caribbean Latin American countries.

"Keeping It Real": The Relational Effects of Trauma Among African American Women and Their Substance Abuse Treatment Counselors

African American women experience disproportionately high rates of trauma. Interpersonal forms of trauma often make it much more difficult for trauma survivors to initiate and maintain positive, healthy relationships with others. This study examined the kinds of relationships women with extensive histories of trauma and substance had with their substance abuse treatment counselors and the characteristics that they believe contributed to connected and disconnected client-counselor relationships. Using the case study method, 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with African American women. Data analysis revealed three primary kinds of relationships women had with their substance abuse treatment counselors: reparative, damaging, and transactional. Eighteen (69%) of the 26 women had reparative relationships with their counselors. Reparative relationships had two primary characteristics: empowering and mattering. Two (8%) of the 26 women had damaging relationships with their substance abuse treatment counselors. Damaging relationships had two primary characteristics: unimportant and untrustworthy. Six of the women (23%) had transactional relationships with their substance abuse treatment counselors. Transactional relationships were task-focused and superficial. Healing from interpersonal experiences of trauma is possible only within the context of trusting relationships. Substance abuse treatment counselors have an opportunity to help African American women with histories of trauma heal and recover. Creating positive, therapeutic relationships between clients and professionals is essential.

Establishing the international prevalence of self-reported child maltreatment: a systematic review by maltreatment type and gender

BACKGROUND

Estimating the prevalence of child maltreatment is challenging due to the absence of a clear 'gold standard' as to what constitutes maltreatment. This systematic review aims to review studies using self-report maltreatment to capture prevalence rates worldwide.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid SP and grey literature from the NSPCC, UNICEF, The UK Government, and WHO from 2000 to 2017 were searched. The literature review focused on the variation found in self-reported lifetime prevalence for each type of maltreatment between studies by continent and gender, and how methodological differences may explain differences found.

RESULTS

Sexual abuse is the most commonly studied form of maltreatment across the world with median (25th to 75th centile) prevalence of 20.4% (13.2% to 33.6%) and 28.8% (17.0% to 40.2%) in North American and Australian girls respectively, with lower rates generally for boys. Rates of physical abuse were more similar across genders apart from in Europe, which were 12.0% (6.9% to 23.0%) and 27.0% (7.0% to 43.0%) for girls and boys respectively, and often very high in some continents, for example, 50.8% (36.0% to 73.8%) and 60.2% (43.0% to 84.9%) for girls and boys respectively in Africa. Median rates of emotional abuse were nearly double for girls than boys in North America (28.4% vs 13.8% respectively) and Europe (12.9% vs 6.2% respectively) but more similar across genders groups elsewhere. Median rates of neglect were highest in Africa (girls: 41.8%, boys: 39.1%) and South America (girls: 54.8%, boys: 56.7%) but were based on few studies in total, whereas in the two continents with the highest number of studies, median rates differed between girls (40.5%) and boys (16.6%) in North America but were similar in Asia (girls: 26.3%, boys: 23.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Median prevalence rates differ substantially by maltreatment category, gender and by continent. The number of studies and available data also varies and relatively little is known about prevalence for some forms of maltreatment, particularly outside of the North American context. Prevalence rates require caution in interpretation as some variation will reflect methodological differences, including the data collection methods, and how the maltreatment is defined.

Racial Differences in Pregnancy Intention, Reproductive Coercion, and Partner Violence among Family Planning Clients: A Qualitative Exploration

BACKGROUND

Unintended pregnancy (UIP) is a persistent public health concern in the United States disproportionately experienced by racial/ethnic minorities and women of low socioeconomic status. UIP often occurs with experiences of reproductive coercion (RC) and intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of the study was to qualitatively describe and compare contexts for UIP risk between low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV/RC.

STUDY DESIGN

Semistructured interviews were conducted with low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV or RC, ages 18 to 29 years, recruited from family planning clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

RESULTS

Interviews with 10 non-Hispanic Black women and 34 non-Hispanic White women (N = 44) were included in the analysis. Differences between White and Black women emerged regarding IPV/RC experiences, gender roles in intimate relationships, and trauma histories, including childhood adversity. Fatal threats and IPV related to childbearing were most influential among White women. Among Black women, pregnancy was greatly influenced by RC related to impending incarceration, subfertility, and condom nonuse, and decisions about contraception were often dependent on the male. Sexual abuse, including childhood sexual assault, in the context of sexual/reproductive health was more prominent among White women. Childhood experiences of neglect impacted pregnancy intention and love-seeking behaviors among Black women.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial differences exist in experiences of IPV/RC with regard to UIP even among women with similar economic resources and health care access. These findings provide much-needed context to the persistent racial/ethnic disparities in UIP and illustrate influences beyond differential access to care and socioeconomic status.

Sexual Orientation, Race, and Trauma as Predictors of Sexual Assault Recovery

Sexual minorities and racial minorities experience greater negative impact following sexual assault. We examined recovery from sexual assault among women who identified as heterosexual and bisexual across racial groups. A community sample of women (N = 905) completed three yearly surveys about sexual victimization, recovery outcomes, race group, and sexual minority status. Bisexual women and Black women reported greater recovery problems. However, Black women improved more quickly on depression symptoms than non-Black women. Finally, repeated adult victimization uniquely undermined survivors' recovery, even when controlling for child sexual abuse. Sexual minority and race status variables and their intersections with revictimization play roles in recovery and should be considered in treatment protocols for sexual assault survivors.

Intimate Partner Sexual Coercion Mediates the Childhood Sexual Abuse–Suicidal Ideation Link Among African American Women

Suicide is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and intimate partner violence are significant risk factors for suicidal ideation among women. The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships among these three constructs and test if intimate partner sexual coercion may explain the CSA–suicidal ideation link. African American women ( N = 141) completed an assessment of childhood trauma, intimate partner sexual coercion, and suicide ideation. A significant positive correlation was found between CSA and sexual coercion, between CSA and suicidal ideation, and between sexual coercion and suicidal ideation. Also, intimate partner sexual coercion was found to mediate the relationship between CSA and suicidal ideation when controlling for covariates such as spiritual well-being, self-esteem, and barriers to services. The association between CSA and suicidal ideation may be explained by sexual revictimization in the context of an intimate relationship among African American women. Clinically, practitioners should engage in regular screening for suicide ideation among African American women who have experienced CSA and intimate partner sexual coercion.

Prevalence of Sexual Trauma History Using Behaviorally Specific Methods of Assessment in First Year College Students

There are several challenges associated with evaluating the prevalence of sexual trauma, including child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. The aim of this study was to assess sexual trauma prevalence rates among first year college students (N = 954) using behaviorally specific questions and a more representative recruitment sample that did not rely on self-selection. Participants completed a list of sexual trauma questions, including general questions containing labels such as "rape" or "abuse" as well as behaviorally specific questions that describe specific behaviors that qualify as sexual trauma without labels. Results indicated that 6.7% of the sample reported at least one incident of child sexual abuse, with similar rates for men and women. Women were more likely to report a history of adult sexual assault, which was reported by 12.4% of the total sample. Participants were also more likely to endorse a history of sexual trauma when answering behaviorally specific rather than general "label" questions. Women survivors in particular were more likely than men to identify their experiences as abuse/assault (66.7% versus 21.1% for child sexual abuse), which may help explain prevalence differences between men and women in prior research. Men may be less likely than women to label their experiences as abuse and may be underidentified in sexual trauma research without the use of behaviorally specific questions. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the prevalence of sexual trauma is better assessed using behaviorally specific questions and that this is an important topic of study among both men and women.

Culture and context in understanding child maltreatment: Contributions of intersectionality and neighborhood-based research

In the early 1990s, the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect commissioned a series of reviews that appeared as the edited volume, Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect (Melton & Barry, 1994). Using the 1994 review "Sociocultural Factors in Child Maltreatment" (Korbin, 1994) as a background, this article reconsiders culture and context in child maltreatment work. Since 1994, conditions promoting research and practice attention in this area include immigration-driven global increases in diverse, multicultural societies where different beliefs and practices meet (and clash); expanding purview of the human rights discourse to children; and the disproportionate and disparate representation of cultural, ethnic, and racial groups in child-welfare systems. Although research on child maltreatment has advanced in many ways over 20 years, the complexity of child maltreatment leaves many critical questions demanding further attention, culture and context among them. To help address these questions, we propose two approaches for future maltreatment research: intersectionality - the simultaneous examination of multiple identities (such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status) - as a framework for understanding the complexity of cultural factors; and neighborhood-based research as a means for understanding the context of child maltreatment from the perspective of an ecological framework.

Stop It Now! A Pilot Study Into the Limits and Benefits of a Free Helpline Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Stop It Now! aims to prevent child sexual abuse using a free anonymous helpline. It provides information, advice, and guidance to anyone concerned about child sexual abuse. It targets people who have sexually abused children or who are worried that they might do so. This article presents findings from a pilot study on the operation and outcomes of the helplines in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The findings underline the strength of the public health approach to prevention efforts. More specifically, benefits reported by helpline users are shown to correspond with the aims of the helplines. A number of factors were reported by users that helped them modify their own or others' actions to minimize risk of abuse. However, a challenge that remains is ensuring that helplines are accessible to those most in need. Recommendations are included to further expand the effect of Stop It Now! in reducing CSA.

High-risk sexual behaviors among depressed Black women with histories of intrafamilial and extrafamilial childhood sexual abuse

OBJECTIVE

National estimates of childhood sexual abuse histories among black women range from 34% to 40%. Poor outcomes in adulthood, including impaired psychiatric functioning (e.g., depression), high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., unprotected sex, exchange of sex for money or drugs), and lifetime sexually transmitted infections are robustly associated with sexual abuse histories. In the current study, we examined the relationships of intrafamilial and extrafamilial perpetration of childhood sexual abuse to high-risk sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections among black women.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 60 black women who participated in a depression treatment trial in a community mental health center.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that intrafamilial perpetration of childhood sexual abuse, as compared to extrafamilial perpetration, was more strongly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors in a clinical sample of depressed black women. There were no significant associations between intrafamilial or extrafamilial perpetration of childhood sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that characteristics of childhood sexual abuse among depressed black women may be important factors for health professionals to consider when conducting clinical assessments and providing treatment.

The childhood sexual abuse among youth in three Asian cities: Taipei, Shanghai, and Hanoi

The article describes the prevalence and risk factors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among youth in Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei. Data used in this study are from the Three-City Asian Study of Adolescents and Youth, 2006-2007. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were used. The self-reported lifetime prevalence of CSA was 5.2% in Taipei, 1.3% in Shanghai, and 0.5% in Hanoi. The overall prevalence was 2.2% for females and 1.7% for males. The average age of first CSA was 10.5 years. Household instability, migration before age 14, and low maternal warmth were found to be positively associated with CSA, whereas discussing problems with father and being close to mother were negatively associated with CSA, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings suggested the importance of prevention programs for preteen aged children, public education to raise awareness, and further prospective studies to identify various risk markers for CSA in Asia.

Characteristics of victims of sexual abuse by gender and race in a community corrections population

The purpose of this study was to examine how victims of sexual abuse in a community corrections population differ as a result of their sex and race. Of the 19,422 participants, a total of 1,298 (6.7%) reported a history of sexual abuse and were compared with nonabused participants. The sample was analyzed by race-gender groups (White men, White women, African American men, and African American women) using univariate and logistic regression analyses, which were conducted separately for each group. White women were the most likely to report a history of sexual abuse (26.5%), followed by African American women (16.0%), White men (4.0%), and African American men (1.1%). For all groups, histories of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were associated with a history of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse was associated with substance abuse problems for women but not the men. Cannabis dependence was associated with sexual abuse for the White women while cocaine dependence was associated with sexual abuse for the African American women. Several other variables were associated with sexual abuse for women but not men, including lower education (White women only), a history of violent offenses (White women only), and living in a shelter (African American women only). African American men tended to have higher levels of education; this was the only variable uniquely associated with either male group. Receiving psychiatric medications was associated with sexual abuse for all groups except African American men and a history of sex for drugs was associated with sexual abuse for all groups except White men. Consistent with national sample, women, particularly White women, were more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. The gender-race differences for the sociodemographic factors associated with sexual abuse, particularly the risk of substance abuse for women, suggest the need for tailored interventions for sexual abuse prevention and treatment.

The Impact of PTSD Symptoms on Women's Safer-Sex Negotiation: Influence of Ethnicity

PTSD has been shown to predict later self reported sexual risk behavior, yet behavioral research is lacking in this area. The present study investigated the impact of PTSD severity on negotiation and interpersonal skills effectiveness in simulated high-risk sexual situations among 368 inner-city women. Participants engaged in role-play scenarios involving 1) refusing sex without a condom, 2) abstaining from drinking prior to sex, and 3) refusing sex until both partners were tested for HIV. Interviews were audio taped and rated along dimensions of negotiation effectiveness by blind raters. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of PTSD and ethnicity on 4 theoretically derived skill sets 1) assertiveness, 2) using health and preparedness skills 3) social joining skills and 4) higher order negotiation skills. Generally, results indicated that PTSD severity predicted poorer rated negotiation effectiveness among European Americans, but not African Americans. African Americans' expectations that may prepare them for facing more hardship may help explain ethnic differences.

A global perspective on child sexual abuse: meta-analysis of prevalence around the world

Our comprehensive meta-analysis combined prevalence figures of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) reported in 217 publications published between 1980 and 2008, including 331 independent samples with a total of 9,911,748 participants. The overall estimated CSA prevalence was 127/1000 in self-report studies and 4/1000 in informant studies. Self-reported CSA was more common among female (180/1000) than among male participants (76/1000). Lowest rates for both girls (113/1000) and boys (41/1000) were found in Asia, and highest rates were found for girls in Australia (215/1000) and for boys in Africa (193/1000). The results of our meta-analysis confirm that CSA is a global problem of considerable extent, but also show that methodological issues drastically influence the self-reported prevalence of CSA.

Predictors of rape: findings from the National Survey of Adolescents

The current report examines data for 872 female adolescents obtained during the initial and follow-up interviews of the National Survey of Adolescents, a nationally representative sample. Lifetime prevalence of violence exposure reported was 12% and 13% for sexual assault, 19% and 10% for physical assault/punishment, and 33% and 26% for witnessing violence at Waves I and II, respectively. Racial/ethnic status, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and family drug problems emerged as significant predictors of new rape. Each of the PTSD symptom clusters significantly predicted new rape and analyses supported the mediational role of PTSD between CSA and new rape. African American or other racial identity was associated with lower risk.

The role of protective self-cognitions in the relationship between childhood trauma and later resource loss

The authors examined a prospective model investigating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and protective self-cognitions (self-esteem and self-efficacy) with later resource loss among 402 inner-city women who experienced childhood abuse. They predicted that women with PTSD may fail to develop or sustain protective self-cognitions that could protect against future stress. Results from the hypothesized model suggest that child abuse was associated with greater PTSD symptoms and later resource loss. PTSD symptoms were also related to protective self-cognitions, which, in turn, were associated with less resource loss. The authors also examined an alternative model exploring the relationship between resource loss and later PTSD symptoms. Findings allude to the relationship of risk and resiliency variables among women with childhood trauma histories.

Childhood abuse and early menarche: findings from the black women's health study

OBJECTIVES

We examined the association between childhood abuse and early menarche in a sample of US Black women.

METHODS

We conducted multivariable log-binomial regression on data from 35 330 participants in the Black Women's Health Study to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the relation of childhood physical and sexual abuse with early age at menarche (i.e., < 12 years).

RESULTS

In adjusted analyses, sexual abuse was positively associated with early menarche, and the risk of early menarche increased with increasing frequency of sexual abuse incidents. We observed a weak but statistically significant association between physical abuse and early menarche. Associations between sexual abuse and early menarche were stronger when we used a more stringent cutpoint for early menarche (i.e., < 11 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest an increased risk of early menarche among Black women who experienced childhood sexual abuse. Evidence for an association between childhood physical abuse and early menarche was equivocal.

Child sexual abuse in southern Brazil and associated factors: a population-based study

Background

The prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the population has been poorly described in developing countries. Population data on child sexual abuse in Brazil is very limited. This paper aims to estimate lifetime prevalence of child sexual abuse and associated factors in a representative sample of the population aged 14 and over in a city of southern Brazil.

Methods

A two-stage sampling strategy was used and individuals were invited to respond to a confidential questionnaire in their households. CSA was defined as non-consensual oral-genital, genital-genital, genital-rectal, hand-genital, hand-rectal, or hand-breast contact/intercourse between ages 0 and 18. Associations between socio-demographic variables and CSA, before and after age 12, were estimated through multinomial regression.

Results

Complete data were available for 1936 respondents from 1040 households. Prevalence of CSA among girls (5.6% 95%CI [4.8;7.5]) was higher than among boys (1.6% 95%CI [0.9;2.6]). Boys experienced CSA at younger ages than girls and 60% of all reported CSA happened before age 12. Physical abuse was frequently associated with CSA at younger (OR 5.6 95%CI [2.5;12.3]) and older (OR 9.4 95%CI [4.5;18.7]) ages. CSA after age 12 was associated with an increased number of sexual partners in the last 2 months.

Conclusion

Results suggest that CSA takes place at young ages and is associated with physical violence, making it more likely to have serious health and developmental consequences. Except for gender, no other socio-demographic characteristic identified high-risk sub-populations.

The Extensive Sexual Violation and Sexual Abuse Histories of Incarcerated Women

A growing body of research reports on the lifetime prevalence of sexual victimization experiences among incarcerated women. However, none of this research provides a detailed account of the many types and levels of sexual violations and sexual abuses, the age of occurrence, and the victim–offender relationship. This study used the Sexual Abuse Checklist (designed by the first author) and a modified version of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) to obtain a detailed account of 391 incarcerated women's self-reported sexual violation and abuse histories. Seventy percent of the women reported at least one violation consistent with what qualifies as “rape” in most states in the United States today, and half of the women reported child sexual abuse victimization. The most prevalent victim–offender relationships were male strangers, male lovers or boyfriends, male dates, husbands, uncles, brothers, male cousins, and stepfathers.

Attending to the role of race/ethnicity in family violence research

Since the 1970s, researchers and public health and/or social policy communities have devoted increasing attention to family violence. Although officially reported crime figures for family violence appear to be declining, rates continue to be high in broadly defined racial and/or ethnic minority groups. More careful assessments of the potential role of race/ethnicity in family violence, and similarities and differences occurring across and within groups categorized based on race/ethnicity, are essential if adequate interventions are to be developed and utilized. This article provides suggestions on conducting better studies on family violence in the United States, particularly with respect to issues of race/ethnicity. The authors begin by considering conceptions and definitions of race/ethnicity and providing a broad definition of family violence. They then suggest issues for consideration at each stage of the research process, from reviewing previous research, to making methodological decisions, selecting samples, choosing measures, and analyzing and interpreting findings.