Child sexual abuse, peer sexual abuse, and sexual assault in adulthood: A multi-risk model of revictimization

This study explored the predictors and consequences of sexual assault occur ring after the age of 16 years in a nonclinical sample of women. Child sexu al abuse occurring before the age of 16 years was the only predictor of lat er sexual assault among comorbid risk factors. Peer sexual abuse, number of perpetrators, age at time of sexual abuse, and severity of sexual abuse di d not increase the risk for later sexual assault. Adult sexual assault vict ims showed lower levels of mental health functioning than did survivors of child or peer sexual abuse. We discuss a specificity model of revictimizati on and the differential effects of child, peer, and adult sexual trauma on the developmental trajectory of sexual violence and psychosocial functionin g.