Friday, 14 January 2005 - 8:00 AM

This presentation is part of: Sexual Abuse

Trends in the Prevalence and Nature of Sexual Victimization: Implications of a Cohort Analysis

Purpose: Although recent official statistics suggest that rates of reported rape and child sexual abuse are declining (Jones, Finkelhor & Kopiec, 2001; FBI, 2002), little is known about changes in the nature of sexually assaultive experiences or about true fluctuations in sexual violence prevalence over time. This investigation aims to add to the developing picture of trends in sexual violence through a cohort analysis of data from a general population survey. More specifically, the prevalence, nature and consequences of sexual victimization among five age cohorts spanning age 18 to 96 are compared to illuminate changes in women’s sexual violence experiences over time (roughly 1940 to 2001) and to identify implications for prevention and intervention.

Methods: This study involves a sample of 1325 female residents of Washington State surveyed regarding their experiences related to sexual assault (SA). Respondents were contacted via random digit dialing and interviewed by phone. Data were collected utilizing methodology drawn from the National Violence Against Women Survey (Tjaden & Thoenes, 1998), using well-evaluated measures to assess the nature of assaultive experiences, subsequent help-seeking, current functioning and perceptions of community response to sexual violence (Berliner & Fine 2001). Sample characteristics are highly consistent with those of the state population, suggesting good representation.

Results: Nonparametrics and MANOVAs were used to test differences by age cohort as well as historical era in which a first SA experience occurred. Overall, lifetime prevalence of SA has not significantly changed across age cohorts of women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s. Women older than 60 report significantly fewer victimizations. Differences are evident across cohorts in the age at first assault, assault characteristics, offender identity, help-seeking, and perceived community response to SA. Multivariate analysis of current functioning (PTSD, substance use) among age cohorts and with a no assault control group reveal long-term impact including differences associated with changing assault characteristics.

Implications: Results argue that sexual assault is not lessening so much as being redirected in age, form, and relationship status of victims. Prevention implications for addressing the persistent vulnerability of adolescent and young adult women will be discussed in addition to screening, intervention (differentiated by lifespan development), and recommendations for future prevalence tracking.

Berliner, L., & Fine, D. (2001). Sexual assault experiences and perceptions of community response to sexual assault: A survey of Washington State women. Olympia, WA: Office of Crime Victims Advocacy.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (1992-2002). Uniform Crime Reports for the United States. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.

Jones, L.M., Finkelhor, D. & Kopiec, K. (2001). Why is sexual abuse declining? A survey of state child protection administrators. Child Abuse and Neglect, 25, 1139-1158.

Tjaden, P., & Thoennes, N. (1998). Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.

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