A Research Agenda for Sexual Revictimization

Abstract

Sexual violence against women is a significant problem with serious consequences for women's well-being, including an increased risk of subsequent sexual violence (or revictimization). Although there is substantial and mounting research about sexual revictimization, significant knowledge gaps remain. The factors and processes that drive revictimization are still largely unknown, and thus, little evidence exists to inform revictimization prevention interventions. Given the increased research attention to revictimization, this is an appropriate juncture to take stock of what is known about revictimization and to prioritize next steps for research. This article develops an agenda for further research by identifying three priority areas for investigation, including prospective research, revictimization resilience, and contextualizing revictimization. Next, the article overviews cutting-edge statistical methods that offer innovative ways to investigate these priority areas including growth, multilevel, and person-centered models. Recommendations for revictimization measurement and sampling are also given.