THE ROLE OF WOMENS ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION IN SEXUAL VICTIMIZATION

This review examines whether women's alcohol consumption increases her likelihood of sexual victimization. Three types of studies are review ed: (a) global association studies, that examine the correlation betwe en typical alcohol consumption and sexual victimization; (b) event-bas ed studies, that examine alcohol consumption at the time of victimizat ion; and (c) studies that focus on specific mechanisms by which women' s alcohol consumption may contribute to sexual assault, for example, b y leading to cognitive impairment on the part of the woman or by influ encing the perceptions of potential male perpetrators. The literature suggests that alcohol and sexual victimization are linked, however; th e specific mechanism by which they are associated and the strength of the relationship remain unclear Good quality survey and laboratory res earch that employs prospective and within subject designs would greatl y increase our understanding of alcohol's role in sexual assault. Such methodologically sound studies will be extremely important for inform ing development of prevention and education programs for both females and males.