There is evidence that many women experience sexual assault, and that sexual assault can cause psychological and interpersonal problems. This study examined the psychological aftermath of sexual assault in a probability sample of female university students and employees (N=542), focusing on how various aspects of a victim's lifetime sexual assault…

The conference reported in this document consisted of three symposia and eight workshops each concerned with a different area of violence in America. The document includes an introduction by Annette Zimmern Reed and opening remarks by Dallas mayor Starke Taylor and his wife, Carolyn Taylor. Information from the three symposia is given in the areas…

Counseling victims of incest is based on the needs of each client. Different types of trauma may differentially affect four main areas of the victim's life: social, emotional, physical, and sexual. Each of these areas merits exploration in counseling, with emphasis varying with the nature of the circumstances surrounding the incestuous…

A study of 73 New Zealand women attending a sexual abuse program found that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were associated with higher levels of all psychopathology. However, the severity of PTSD symptoms was also associated with the extent of abuse which involved actual sexual intercourse. (Author/CR)

Findings from national survey of approximately 1,925 U lesbians revealed that over 50% had considered suicide and 18% had attempted suicide; 37% had been physically abused; 32% had been raped/sexually attacked; and 19% had been in incestuous relationships. Almost one-third used tobacco daily, and about 30% drank alcohol more than once a week.…

Psychological and sexual variables were compared for white women, ages 18 through 22, who did (n=41) or did not (n=400) report prior forced sexual intercourse (FSI). Those who had FSI had lower internal locus of control and higher depression scores and needed and received more psychological help than those not reporting FSI. (Author/SW)

Reviews research on prevalence and effects of three types of victimization of women: child sexual abuse; sexual assault; and sexual harassment. Claims this research suggests victimization is quite common among women and has serious detrimental effects on their mental health. Presents data indicating victimization experiences are common among…

Males are more at risk of sexual assault and consequent psychological problems than is generally believed. The existing knowledge base is reviewed and discussed. Although few services exist for this population, awareness on the part of school counselors and personnel can provide opportunities for survivors to process these experiences. (EMK)

Most research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been conducted on war veterans; little is known about the incidence of traumatic events, PTSD, and posttraumatic symptoms among other populations. This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of traumatic events of sufficient intensity to potentially cause PTSD among a sample of 440…

A cross-cultural and historical survey of the relationship between slavery and the status of women focuses on Marxian theory, the position of free women, sexual division of labor, the threat of rape, and equivalents of slavery in the modern world. Throughout history, the majority of slaves have been women, many of whom held favored positions,…

Presents a model of secondary-survivor healing based on the experiences of male partners attending a support group. Focuses on resources and strengths required for becoming a secondary survivor. Highlights both the difficulties encountered in coordinating individual and relationship aspects of healing and the need for a balanced, interdependent…

Social exchange framework is applied to Summit's Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome, which describes a common pattern of interaction and response among child victims of sexual abuse, their caretakers, and adult offenders. Analysis of the syndrome demonstrates the applicability of the exchange perspective for this aspect of child sexual…

Discusses the proportion of mothers who act protectively following disclosure of child sexual abuse and what factors are associated with maternal nonprotectiveness. In a sample of 118 cases of intrafamilial child sexual abuse it was found that 57% of mothers separated from the perpetrators, two-thirds were supportive of their children, and 52% did…

Objective: There were two aims: first, to examine the relationship between prior sexual abuse and three types of adult risky sexual behaviors [(1) ever traded sex for drugs or money, (2) had unprotected sex in the past 6 months, and (3) frequency of unprotected sex in the past 6 months] among persons with severe mental illness (SMI), and second,…

The limited research literature that relates specifically to sexual offenders against adults (rapists) would suggest that they are more likely to demonstrate a greater criminogenic profile but to have experienced fewer childhood and adult psychological difficulties than child molesters. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of…