Sexual abuse and forced sex among a sample of women experiencing intimate partner violence: Identifying the need for sexual health interventions and sexual safety planning

Saturday, March 31, 2012: 2:10 PM-3:30 PM
Pacific C (San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Speaker:
Jill Messing, MSW, PhD, Arizona State University

Authors:
Jonel Thaller, MSW, Arizona State University
Meredith Bagwell, MSW, Arizona State University

PDF file

Presentation Format:
Scientific Program Report

Learning Objectives:
  1. Recognize the prevalence of sexual abuse and forced sex within violent intimate relationships
  2. Recognize the factors related to sexual abuse and forced sex within violent intimate relationships
  3. Identify what sexual safety planning is, and the importance of including sexual health risks in safety planning with abused women
Description:
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.