NCJ Number
131128
Date Published
Unknown
Length
37 pages
Annotation
Child sexual assault, which occurs in up to one-third of all girls, is a significant and preventable mental health risk factor for those victims which may lead to a significant proportion of women who suffered child sexual abuse to exhibit serious and persistent psychological consequences.
Abstract
A sample of 391 women was used to study lifetime and current mental disorders related to child sexual assault using a structured victimization history interview and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. DSM-III diagnostic criteria for major depressive episode, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, sexual disorders, and agoraphobia were met by more child rape victims than nonvictims; victims were also more likely to have considered suicide. Molestation victims were overrepresented in most of these disorders, but noncontact sexual assault was not a significant risk factor for any of the disorders. Victims of childhood rape and molestation were more likely than victims of noncontact assault to have the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental disorder lifetime prevalence risk ratios for victims as compared to nonvictims ranged from 1.5 for major depressive episode to 6.7 for obsessive-compulsive disorder. In terms of clinical practices, the authors suggest that increased attention be paid to prevention and early intervention programs, that clinicians regularly screen clients for a history of child sexual assault, and that clinicians assess all victims of assault for symptoms of PTSD. 5 tables, 2 notes, and 36 references