NCJ Number
137765
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 93-104
Date Published
1992
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data concerning the sexual assault experiences of over 3,000 Los Angeles residents were reviewed to examine the influence of gender and ethnicity (Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white) on the probability of experiencing sexual assault, the circumstances surrounding the assault, and its sequelae.
Abstract
Hispanics and men reported significantly lower rates of assault than non-Hispanic whites and women. The lifetime prevalence of sexual assault among non-Hispanic whites was 2.5 times that of Hispanics. Significantly fewer men than women (9.4 percent versus 16.7 percent) reported being sexually assaulted at some time in their lives. Once individuals were assaulted, neither ethnicity nor gender were related to their probability of being victimized again. Assaulted individuals were more likely than nonassaulted persons to have a mental disorder, but this association did not differ by gender or ethnicity. Women were more likely than men to report specific emotional and behavioral reactions to an assault. Hispanics talked to psychotherapists about the assault less often than non-Hispanic whites. Sexual assault was associated with significantly greater use of mental health and general health services, regardless of gender or ethnicity. 35 references (Author abstract modified)