Age differences among victims of sexual assault: A comparison between children, adolescents and adults

Abstract

The present study describes the characteristics and ascertains risk factors of victims of sexual assault according to three age groups: children, adolescents and adults. Data were retrospectively obtained from a database of forensic medical examination records of sexual assault victims in Bizkaia within a two-year period (2009–2010). Descriptive statistics and uni- and multivariate analyzes were used. Sexual assaults with evidence of physical injury in the examination were significantly associated with the victims' age group and with sexual assaults with penetration. They are inversely associated with vulnerable victims and assaults committed by a known offender. Sexual assaults with penetration are related significantly to older age groups and they are negatively associated with sexual assault committed at the victim's place of residence.