Data were obtained by interviews (Personal History of Sexual Abuse) conducted in the participants' homes and by means of a self-report questionnaire, which the interviewer gave the participant to return by mail. Results revealed that 15 percent of the males and 22 percent of the females had been sexually abused before age 17. The short-term effects were a lack of trust, disgust, fear, hostility toward the aggressor, shame, and anxiety. The long-term effects were a greater tendency toward mental health problems and other problems throughout the life cycle. These included running away from home, school failure, sexual dissatisfaction, and drug abuse. The high prevalence and the clear long-term and short-term effects make prevention programs and victim services advisable. Tables and 16 references (Author abstract modified)