RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DATE RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS

The prevalence of and risk factors associated with unwanted sexual act ivity by dates/boyfriends were studied prospectively over a four-year period in a sample of young, rural adolescent girls. Twenty-three per cent reported such experiences from dates/boyfriends by the fourth yea r of the study, including forced touching, intercourse, oral sex, and/ or other sexual behaviors; fifteen per cent had experienced date rape. Familial variables were not found to be significant predictors of unw anted sexual activity by dates/boyfriends. However, earlier age of men arche and sexual activity were significant predictors, as were more se xually active same sex friends, poorer peer relationships, and poorer emotional status.