Factors related with sexual assault revictimization: a comparison between revictimized and non-revictimized girls and women in a Dutch sexual assault centre.

Abstract

Sexual assault is affecting a lot of girls and women. Experiencing sexual assault increases the risk of experiencing repeated sexual assault over the life course from either the same or different perpetrators, which is also defined as sexual revictimization. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether the presence of mental health issues, reporting to the police, divorced parents and level of education are related to sexual revictimization by comparing revictimized and non-revictimized girls and women. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Dutch sexual assault centre where multidisciplinary post-assault services are provided within one week post-assault. From January 2012 to December 2017, information about sexual revictimization was collected by self-report from 295 females, with a mean age of 21.4 years (SD = 9.0). A Pearson correlation was implemented to see if there is a correlation between sexual revictimization and mental health issues, report to the police, divorced parents and level of education. To make a statement about which factors are related to sexual revictimization, the significant correlates were included in a logistic regression analysis adjusting for age. The most important finding of this study is that revictimized girls and women more often suffer from mental health issues than non-revictimized girls and women. Longitudinal research is recommended to sort out the risk factors for sexual revictimization from the consequences of sexual revictimization. Furthermore, more research is needed to identify short-term and cost-effective mental health interventions to offer after experiencing sexual assault. This highlights the importance of the existence of sexual assault centres, a safe place where multidisciplinary help and guidance is provided for victims of sexual assault.