Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health

Jeff R. Temple, Rebecca Weston, Benjamin F. Rodriguez, Linda L. Marshall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study contrasted the effects of intimate partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health among a sample (N = 835) of low-income, ethnically diverse community women. Compared to sexual assault by a previous partner or by a non-intimate partner, sexual assault by a current partner was the strongest predictor of PTSD, stress, and dissociation. Non-intimate partner sexual assault was only a significant predictor of PTSD and only for African American women. These findings suggest that the victim-offender relationship is important when considering the impact of sexual assault. Specifically, sexual assault perpetrated by an intimate partner may be especially traumatic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)285-297
Number of pages13
JournalViolence Against Women
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Marital rape
  • Mental health
  • Sexual assault

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Law

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