In a systematic study, 372 sexual assault survivors and 99 women with no history of sexual assault were interviewed with regard to their sexual histories to determine the incidence and types of sexual dysfunctions in these two samples. The women also completed the Sexual Arousability Inventory. Of the sexual assault survivors, 58.6% of the women were experiencing sexual dysfunctions, with 71% of them reporting that their sexual assaults were related to their development of sexual problems. In contrast, only 17.2% of the nonassaulted women reported experiencing any sexual problems. Differences in the types of sexual problems experienced by the two samples are noted, as are treatment implications. The sensitivity of the Sexual Arousability Inventory to assault-related sexual dysfunctions was affected by the educational level of the sexual assault survivors.

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Many authors have commented on the impact of sexual assault on the sexual lives of the victims. Eighty-three victims were interviewed with regard to their sexual histories, and completed the Sexual Arousal Inventory, to determine the incidence and types of sexual dysfunctions in rape and incest victims: 56% of these victims experienced sexual dysfunctions postassault; 71% of these subjects reported that the sexual assault precipitated the dysfunction. Fear of sex, arousal or desire dysfunctions were the most common sexual problems presented within this victim sample. The Sexual Arousal Inventory was not successful in discriminating dysfunctional and nondysfunctional rape and incest victims.

Attempts to downplay the sexual component of sexual assault may actually result in an injustice to sexual assault survivors as it may desensitize professionals working with sexual assault survivors to the possible development of sexual problems. Of 371 sexual assault survivors evaluated, more than 40% reported that they were experiencing sexual problems as a result of their assaults. In addition, these assault-related sexual problems can be chronic, enduring for many years. The need to screen for and provide treatment when necessary for such sexual problems is apparent.