Health and economic consequences of sexual violence.

Abstract

This chapter presents research concerning the effects of sexual violence on women's psychological health, physical health, and behavioral health, as well as research on the economic consequences of this violence. Although sexual violence may be defined in many ways, most studies described here focus on sexual assault or rape. Moreover, the studies allow examination of the impact of sexual violence separate from other types of violence. This chapter focuses on violence during adulthood; however, because most sexual violence research on adults also includes adolescents, some of the reviewed studies include adults and teens. This is not a comprehensive literature review but rather an overview, illustrated with selected research findings. We examine the methods commonly used in these studies and note the gaps in our knowledge. We conclude with recommendations regarding emerging research priorities and methods that may be useful for future studies.

Sexual and dating violence among adolescents and young adults in Chile: a review of findings from a survey of university students

“…The present paper notes other areas that have received less attention: (1) links between DV and increased risk and severity of subsequent IPV and (2) influences of DV and SV on educational outcomes. Other investigations, mostly with adult women, have attempted to quantify in dollars various costs associated with IPV and SV (Martin, Macy, and Young 2011;Bott 2004, 2007;Post et al 2002) and expanding this sort of analysis to DV and SV in youth would be desirable. In this research, however, costs will be systematically understated, as the most salient ones (e.g., emotional suffering) defy dollar quantification and underfunding of services in less developed countries will produce underestimates of direct costs.…”

“…Early unwanted pregnancies and an elevated risk of revictimisation are other costs of SV in young women (Martin, Macy, and Young 2011;Ullman and Najdowski 2011). Although reductions in DV and SV in youth are not listed in the Healthy People 2020 goals for the USA, the need to better understand these problems and related prevention strategies is noted in the document (US Department of Health and Human Services 2010).…”

Prevalence of Past-Year Sexual Assault Victimization Among Undergraduate Students: Exploring Differences by and Intersections of Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, and Race/Ethnicity

“…The detrimental physical, emotional, and psychological effects include sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Chen et al, 2010; Martin, Macy, & Young, 2011b). Higher education institutions are being urged to implement and improve prevention and treatment for sexual violence (White House Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault, 2014).…”

Sexual Aggression Victimization and Perpetration among Male and Female College Students in Chile

“…It is a major problem worldwide (WHO, 2013), associated with a wide range of negative effects on survivors' wellbeing (Martin et al, 2011; Choudhary et al, 2012). Studies demonstrating the high prevalence of sexual aggression as reported by victims and perpetrators have been conducted primarily in Western countries (Fisher et al, 2010; Krahé et al, 2014, for reviews).…”