The Epidemiology of Sexual Assault in Adolescents

1. The Epidemiology of Sexual Assault in Adolescents Gilberto A. Velez-Domenech, M.D. Division of Adolescent Medicine New York Medical College Westchester Medical Center Valhalla, New York

2. Epidemiology • Age Rate (per 1000 persons) • Ages 12 to 15 3.5 • Ages 16 to 19 5.0 • Ages 20 to 24 4.6 • Ages 25 to 29 1.7 • Gender Difference • Female to Male Ratio 13.5:1

3. Epidemiology • 66% to 75% of all sexual assaults are perpetrated by an acquaintance or a relative. • Older adolescents, most commonly the victims during social encounters with assailants • Younger adolescents, assailant more likely to be a member of the extended family.

4. Epidemiology • Adolescents are more likely than adults to have used alcohol or drugs • Adolescents are less likely to be physically injured. Assailant is less likely to use a weapon

5. Epidemiology • Adolescents are more likely to delay seeking medical care • Adolescents are less likely to press charges • Male victims are less likely to report an assault

6. Epidemiology • 90% of perpetrators of sexual assault against male adolescents are male • Male perpetrators of male sexual assault identify themselves as heterosexual • Lack of clarity whether adolescent victims are more commonly heterosexual or homosexual

7. Epidemiology • Rate of perpetration by an acquaintance is similar for male and female victims. • Multiple assailants (gang rape), use of a weapon and forced oral assault are more common in assaults of males than females • Alcohol or drug use immediately before the SA is reported by >40% of victims and assailants