• Sandra L. Martin, Rebecca J. Macy
• National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women

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14 September 2009

Sexual violence against women is a prevalent problem that may adversely affect many aspects of health. This paper presents a brief overview of research findings concerning the impact of sexual violence on females' high-risk health behaviors and reproductive health, focusing on studies of sexual assault or rape experienced primarily during adulthood.

Given that most research on sexual violence experienced by adult women also includes adolescents in the samples (often those 14 years of age and older), the research presented here examines females in this wider age range.

Research focused exclusively on sexual violence against children is not reviewed here, even though it is clear that such childhood victimization may have long-lasting negative effects on women's health. Furthermore, two of three women who experienced sexual victimization as children will be revictimized. Therefore, childhood sexual abuse, in addition to being a risk factor for many health problems, is a significant risk factor for sexual revictimization. A discussion of sexual revictimization is important in its own right and thus beyond the scope of the discussion here. Nonetheless, we encourage readers to keep in mind that at least some of the adverse health effects of sexual violence may begin as a result of women's victimization as children, and that subsequent victimization may exacerbate women's health problems.

Following the description of research studies concerning the impact of sexual violence on women's high-risk health behaviors and reproductive health, the scientific methods commonly used in these studies are discussed, noting some strengths and limitations of these techniques. In addition, some of the implications of the research findings for practice and policy are presented.

Numerous social and economic factors, such as poverty and lack of social support, and the many forms of discrimination (racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, etc.) may influence women's experiences of sexual violence and how such violence affects women's health. However, given the brevity of this document, comprehensive discussion of these important social and economic factors is not possible. Nonetheless, readers should be aware of the important roles that sociocultural context and socioeconomic status play in women's experiences of sexual violence.