The effects of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among female homeless and runaway adolescents

    Authors

    K. A. Tyler; D. R. Hoyt;L. B. Whitbeck

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Interpers. Violence

    Keywords

    PROSTITUTION; CHILDHOOD; VIOLENCE; RISK; Criminology & Penology; Family Studies; Psychology, Applied

    Abstract

    Based on risk amplification and victimization theories, path analysis was used to investigate the effects of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among 361 female homeless and runaway adolescents in four midwestern states. Results indicated that early sexual abuse in the home had a positive direct effect on sexual victimization of adolescents on the streets. Early sexual abuse also increased the likelihood of later sexual victimization indirectly by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer associations, and incidents of survival sex. Young women who leave dysfunctional and disorganized homes often characterized by abuse continue on negative developmental trajectories once they reach the streets. The social context of street life puts these adolescents in close proximity to potential offenders and exposes them to crime and criminals. The combination of a negative developmental trajectory and the high-risk street environment increases these young women's chances of being sexually victimized.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Interpersonal Violence

    Volume

    15

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2000

    Document Type

    Article; Proceedings Paper

    Language

    English

    First Page

    235

    Last Page

    250

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000085225700001

    ISSN

    0886-2605

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