130. Implementation of Violence Risk Screening and Treatment in a High School Setting

Abstract

Eighteen percent of African descent, 27.6% of mixed race and 40.2 % of European descent (p .001) would advise calling a crisis hotline. Twenty eight percent of teens said they would advise telling a teacher or school official. Conclusions: Half of adolescents report awareness of rape crisis services in the community and only 11% know someone who has received rape crisis counseling. Students of African descent and mixed race are less aware of crisis counseling services but are more likely to report knowing someone who has received crisis-counseling services than Caucasians. Teachers appear to be the major source of educating adolescents about sexual violence resources. The majority of teens would advise a friend to disclose sexual assault to their families. Teens of African descent and mixed race are less likely to advise friends to call a crisis line than those of European descent. Boys are less likely to advise disclosure than girls. The disparities across race and gender in both awareness of rape crisis resources and attitudes towards disclosure suggest both inadequate outreach and possibly cultural and societal roadblocks to seeking help. Further outreach efforts should target all teens but especially those of African descent, mixed race teens and boys. Sources of Support: None.