Child Sexual Abuse and Revictimization in the Form of Adult Sexual Abuse, Adult Physical Abuse, and Adult Psychological Maltreatment

Abstract

Research has suggested that child sexual abuse (CSA) may place a woman at greater risk for further abuse in adulthood, a phenomenon called revictimization. Revictimization may occur in the form of unwanted sexual contact, physical abuse, and psychological maltreatment. This study assessed CSA and adult sexual, physical, and psychological abuse with a sample of 633 college women. Survivors of CSA (CSAS) were more likely to report unwanted sexual intercourse by acquaintances due to force and were more likely to experience unwanted intercourse with both acquaintances and strangers due to the misuse of the perpetrator's authority. CSAS were also more likely to experience unwanted fondling and oral-genital contact with acquaintances in the context of misuse of authority by the perpetrator and use of alcohol or drugs by the victim. In addition, CSAS experienced more instances of physical abuse and psychological maltreatment than nonvictims. The clinical and preventive implications of these findings are discussed.