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Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Victimization in a Representative Sample in Hong Kong Chinese

NCJ Number
234531
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2011 Pages: 220-229
Author(s)
Ko Ling Chan
Date Published
March 2011
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The study determined the prevalence and impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on sexual victimization as an adult (ASV) in Hong Kong, China; and the study also examined correlates of demographic characteristics, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-esteem with ASV.
Abstract
Out of the total sample, 0.9 percent reported some form of CSA, with a higher percentage being women. Among those who experienced CSA, it was linked to a significant risk for preceding- year intimate partner sexual violence after controlling for demographic factors. Gender, age, indebtedness, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, and low self-esteem significantly increased the odds of IPV (sexual); whereas, suicidal ideation and being newly arrived from China increased the risk of ASV by someone who was not an intimate partner. Being a childhood witness of parental psychological aggression and physical violence was also associated with a higher risk of IPV (sexual). These findings indicate that intervention with victims of ASV should include an assessment of the client's CSA history. The prevention of revictimization for IPV victims with CSA histories might focus on making social and individual changes. The study involved 5,049 Chinese adult respondents who were interviewed face-to-face about their experiences of CSA, childhood witnessing of parental violence, ASV by nonpartners, and intimate partner violence. Self-reports also measured depression, suicidal ideation, self-esteem, and demographic details. 4 tables and 61 references