The prevalence and circumstances of child sexual abuse among Latina women

This study examined the prevalence and circumstances of child sexual abuse in a community sample of Latina women, 18 to 50 years of age. Chi-square te sts of independence and t-test procedures were used to assess the prevalenc e, characteristics of the victim, assault, perpetrator; disclosure, and lon g-term effects. One in three Latina women reported incidents of sexual abus e, regardless of acculturation or citizenship status. More than one third o f the women also experienced revictimization, with more than 80% of initial incidents occurring from the age of 7 years. The majority of the experienc es occurred in private locations, by young male perpetrators, known to the victim. Four women were forced to marry perpetrators of their abuse. Treatm ent implications and community-based interventions for Latins survivors of child sexual abuse are discussed.