EVALUATION OF RISK-FACTORS IN CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE

Objective: This study evaluated whether the level of distress in sexually abused girls was predicted by the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim, the kind of abuse, the use of force, removal from the home, and race or ethnicity. Method: Seventy-five girls, recently reported as having been sexually abused, completed measures on depression, anxiety, and self-worth, which were then trichotomized into distress levels. Results: Penetration predicted higher levels of distress on depression and self-worth measures. Force predicted higher levels of distress on those measures when the perpetrator was not a father figure and lower levels of distress when the abuser was a father figure. Conclusions: These differential effects may be related to issues of self-blame and responsibility that vary with the relationship of the perpetrator and may be useful in developing interventions.