Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Health Among Indigenous Kanak Women and Non-Kanak Women of New Caledonia

• NCJ Number: 232432
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 34 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 677-688
• Author(s): Christine Hamelin; Christine Salomon; Diane Cyr; Alice Gueguen; France Lert
• Date Published: September 2010
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Since few studies have addressed the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences among indigenous women in Oceania (a region that encompasses the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean), this study examined the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and its adverse consequences for sexual health in adulthood by comparing indigenous Kanak women with non-Kanak women in New Caledonia.

Abstract

The study found a statistically insignificant difference in the prevalence of CSA among Kanak women (11.8 percent) and non-Kanak women (14.4 percent). Among Kanak women, however, CSA increased the risk for sexually transmitted infections, nonconsensual sexual intercourse with an intimate partner, and sexual violence victimization as an adult. The use of modern contraception techniques as an adult was more frequent among Kanak victims of CSA compared to adult Kanak women who had not experienced CSA. Among non-Kanak women, only abortion was apparently significantly linked with CSA. This study highlights the consequences of early female sexual abuse in the indigenous Kanak community, where gender-related violence in adulthood and women's sexual vulnerability are particularly widespread. This calls for comprehensive programs that include awareness campaigns, education that targets both males and females, and culturally based interventions that can mitigate the adverse consequences of CSA in adulthood. Since childhood sexual victimization often remains hidden in New Caledonia, a possible history of CSA should be considered when assessing adult women's sexually related health issues. Data for this study were obtained from a population survey on violence against women and related health issues. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 2002-2003 with adult women randomly selected from the electoral list. Separate models for Kanak women (n=329) and non-Kanak women (n=426) were performed. Regression models adjusted for relevant sociodemographic factors in order to estimate the odds ratios for the associations between CSA and adult sexual health outcomes. 3 tables and 55 references