Saturday, March 31, 2012: 2:10 PM-3:30 PM
Pacific C (San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Presentation Format:
Scientific Program Report
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the prevalence of sexual abuse and forced sex within violent intimate relationships
- Recognize the factors related to sexual abuse and forced sex within violent intimate relationships
- Identify what sexual safety planning is, and the importance of including sexual health risks in safety planning with abused women
Sexual abuse is a frequent component of intimate partner violence. This research examines factors related to sexual abuse and forced sex within violent intimate relationships among 432 women recruited by police at the scene of domestic violence incidents. Forced sex was associated with established risk factors for homicide (strangulation, weapons, stalking, use of drugs) and sexual abuse was associated with feelings of shame. Sexual safety planning will be discussed as a response to sexual abuse and assault within intimate relationships.