Sexual Assault in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Abstract Emerging adulthood is a period of increased risk for sexual victimization, with women being at a particularly high risk of experiencing sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for several negative consequences, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use. Social norms and differences in dating expectations among emerging adults may create environments that promote sexual aggression. Alcohol use appears to be a risk factor for victimization among both men and women, as well as a risk factor for men perpetrating sexual violence. Although sexual assault is commonly associated with negative outcomes, research on post-traumatic growth has found that sometimes individuals experience growth following a traumatic event. Prevention programs have traditionally focused on reducing sexual aggressive behavior among men and changing social norms around assault; however, behavioral programs focusing on improving women’s skills to avoid and respond to sexually risky situations have yielded reductions in assault rates.