Alcohol-related sexual assault: a common problem among college students.

Abstract

Objective-This article summarizes research on the role of alcohol in college students' sexual assault experiences. Sexual assault is extremely common among college students. At least half of these sexual assaults involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim or both.Method-Two research literatures were reviewed: the sexual assault literature and the literature that examines alcohol's effects on aggressive and sexual behavior.Results-Research suggests that alcohol consumption by the perpetrator and/or the victim increases the likelihood of acquaintance sexual assault occurring through multiple pathways. Alcohol's psychological, cognitive and motor effects contribute to sexual assault.Conclusions-Although existing research addresses some important questions, there are many gaps. Methodological limitations of past research are noted, and suggestions are made for future research. In addition, recommendations are made for college prevention programs and policy initiatives.Alcohol-related sexual assault is a common occurrence on college campuses. A college student who participated in one of our studies explained how she agreed to go back to her date's home after a party: "We played quarter bounce (a drinking game). I got sick drunk; I was slumped over the toilet vomiting. He grabbed me and dragged me into his room and raped me. I had been a virgin and felt it was all my fault for going back to his house when no one else was home." A male college student who forced sex on a female friend wrote that, "Alcohol loosened us up and the situation occurred by accident. If no alcohol was consumed, I would never have crossed that line."This article reviews the literature on college students' sexual assault experiences. First, information is provided about the prevalence of sexual assault and alcohol-involved sexual assault among college students. Then theories about how alcohol contributes to sexual assault are described. After making suggestions for future research, the article concludes with a discussion of prevention and policy issues.

The Effects of Past Sexual Assault Perpetration and Alcohol Consumption on Men's Reactions to Women's Mixed Signals

“…One limitation of this study is that participants always thought that they were interacting with an intoxicated woman. Future research is also needed to determine if past perpetrators respond differently to sober and to intoxicated women, and if they sometimes target intoxicated women because they may be easier to subdue verbally or physically (Abbey, 2002).…”

“…One limitation of this study is that participants always thought that they were interacting with an intoxicated woman. Future research is also needed to determine if past perpetrators respond differently to sober and to intoxicated women, and if they sometimes target intoxicated women because they may be easier to subdue verbally or physically (Abbey, 2002).All of the perpetrators in this study had sexually assaulted a woman they knew. The situation in the laboratory was not intended to be completely comparable to the situations in which these men had committed sexual assault.…”

“…Approximately half of all college students' sexual assaults involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both (Abbey, 2002).…”

Alcohol use, partner type, and risky sexual behavior among college students: Findings from an event-level study

“…Furthermore, of the twelve million cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed yearly, approximately four million cases are diagnosed in college-aged individuals (CDC, 2002;Rimsza, 2005). On college campuses in particular, date rape, sexual harassment, and unintended pregnancy are also pressing concerns, and alcohol use in sexual contexts may contribute to each of these outcomes (Abbey, 2002;Adams-Curtis & Forbes, 2004;Menard, Hall, Phung, Ghebrial, & Martin, 2003;O'Sullivan, Byers, & Finkelman, 1998;Oswalt, Cameron, & Koob, 2005). …”

Consumo de drogas ilícitas como fator de risco para traumatismo dentário em adolescentes

“…Embora a variável uso na vida de drogas não seja computada no escore geral do instrumento ASSIST, ela foi utilizada por ser uma informação que denuncia a vulnerabilidade social dos adolescentes em relação às drogas 10,28,29 , principalmente na idade estudada, e a precocidade com que esse uso vem ocorrendo. Segundo Abbey 30 , quanto mais precoce o início do consumo de drogas, maior o risco de surgirem consequências graves 28,29 devido às intensas transformações que ocorrem na adolescência, devendo os profissionais que lidam com essa temática estarem atentos a essa questão.…”