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Journal of Family Violence

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15-09-2022 | Original Article

Contextual Factors and Disclosure of Sexual Assault Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

Authors: Lauren R. Grocott, Benjamin W. Katz, Emily A. Muñoz, Katie M. Edwards, Ryan C. Shorey

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 8/2023

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the context and disclosure of sexual assault among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals.

Method

Survey responses from SGM college students completing the 2020–2021 Healthy Minds Study who reported a sexual assault (N = 73) were included.

Results

Descriptive analyses revealed most sexual assaults occurred on campus (63.0%), involved alcohol (64.4%), and were perpetrated by a man (91.7%) who was a friend (27.4%), acquaintance (24.7%), or stranger (21.9%). Further, most participants (78.1%) had disclosed their sexual assault, and no differences in rates of disclosure were seen as a function of sexual orientation or gender identity. Participants commonly disclosed to a friend (68.5%), roommate (27.4%), or romantic partner (21.9%). Fewer participants disclosed if assaulted by a family member, casual or first date, or current romantic partner, compared to assaults perpetrated by strangers, acquaintances, co-workers, or a friend. Finally, most participants who used alcohol (70.0%) during the assault or were sexually assaulted through physical force (66.7%), disclosed.

Conclusion

Findings indicate most SGM survivors of sexual assault disclose to an informal support system, highlighting a need for additional research on the potential utility of peer education approaches for responding to sexual assault disclosure on campuses. Given the role of alcohol in sexual assault experiences reported in this sample, future research may benefit from utilizing intensive longitudinal designs to examine the temporal relationship between alcohol use and sexual assault in order to better inform intervention and prevention efforts that concurrently focus on alcohol use and sexual assault.

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Title: Contextual Factors and Disclosure of Sexual Assault Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students
Authors: Lauren R. Grocott
Benjamin W. Katz
Emily A. Muñoz
Katie M. Edwards
Ryan C. Shorey
Publication date: 15-09-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Family Violence / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-022-00438-x

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Contextual Factors and Disclosure of Sexual Assault Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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