Child Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Assessing Iranians' parental competence: Development and psychometric properties of the Children's Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ-IR), Iranian Version.

Background: Parents are the first line mediators in sexuality development of children. However, the majority of parents tend to have close supervision on children sexual behaviors, particularly in the conservative cultures. This article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of an instrument to measure Iranian parents’ competence in caring and nurturing their children sexually. Methods: The questionnaire was designed based on the principles in measurement, Waltz’stheory. The Iranian version of Children’s Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ-IR) was developed and completed by 386 mothers and 101 fathers who participated in a community based sexuality education program in Tehran, capital of Iran. Reliability was assessed by Kuder-Richardson reliability coefficient and Split half. CSBQ-IR was evaluated for its construct, inclusiveness and content validity by principal component analysis. Results: The Kuder-Richardson reliability coefficient and Split half reliability were found 0.425 and 0.457 that was on acceptable range. Meaning, grammar, wording and item allocation of the questionnaire were found to be appropriate with (content validity ratio [CVR]=0.99) and(content validity index [CVI]=0.8) respectively. Conclusion: CSBQ-IR provides a valid assessment of the parents’ competency or incompetency in nurturing, communication, and managing their children’s sexual behaviors.

Gender and Race Informed Pathways From Childhood Sexual Abuse to Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Moderated Mediation Analysis Using Nationally Representative Data

PurposeAlthough data suggest child sexual abuse is linked with increased risk of contracting asexually transmitted infection (STI), the mechanisms through which these experiences are connected remain understudied. Moreover, there is a need to explore how race/ethnicity and gender influence these processes. MethodsThe present study examined the mediational pathways from child sexual abuse to risky sexual behavior to STIs and further evaluated the role of depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use on the relationship between child sexual abuse and risky sexual behavior. In addition, race and gender were examined as moderators to account for potential different effects of these mechanisms on females and males and on different racial and ethnic groups. A nationally representative sample of 4,181 youth from the Add Health dataset was used. ResultsResults from a moderated mediation model indicated risky sexual behavior partially mediated the pathway from child sexual abuse to STI contraction and depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use partially mediated pathway from child sexual abuse to risky sexual behavior. Race and gender moderated the relationship between risky sexual behavior and STI contraction. ConclusionsFindings underscore the need for STI prevention efforts among adolescents to focus on risk factors beyond risky sexual behaviors, such as childhood sexual abuse and mental health screening that includes depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use. In addition, findings emphasize the need to further examine the different effects on different racial/ethnic and gender subgroups, particularly black women.

아동학대 예방 프로그램의 효과: 체계적 문헌고찰 및 메타분석의 통합적 고찰

Objectives: Child abuse is a global problem, and various programs are under way to prevent it. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of specific programs through a systematic review of meta-analyzes of the effects of various child abuse programs. Methods: We searched the Ovid-Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane library and so on up to October 2017 using search terms such as (child AND (maltreatment or abuse)) AND (prevent* AND(program* and educat*)) AND (meta-analysis or systemic review) in English. Results: The Child Abuse Prevention Program reported on the reduction of child abuse, parenting knowledge and attitudes, parenting behaviors, and interactions with children. We also analyzed the effects of child sexual abuse knowledge and preventive behavior through education. All results reported low or moderate positive effects. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that prevention of child abuse is effective for both parents and children. However, consistent and systematic child abuse prevention education will be needed to confirm this conclusion.

The Influence of Parent and Parent–Adolescent Relationship Characteristics on Sexual Trajectories into Adulthood

To examine sexual partner acquisition into young adulthood and to explore what characteristics of the adolescent family context might predict this change, we used growth curve modeling to examine data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents followed longitudinally over 13years through young adulthood (N = 5385). Growth curve modeling allowed us to treat the outcome as a dynamic variable and to examine 10 potential predictors of change while accounting for the nested nature of the data. Six family characteristics emerged as predictors of mean number of partners and rate of partner acquisition, while accounting for three significant adolescent predictors. Living in a single-parent or blended family and general communication about sex predicted higher lifetime number of sexual partners in young adulthood. Parent religiosity, parent disapproval of adolescent engagement in sex, and parent-adolescent connectedness were predictive of lower lifetime number of sexual partners. By following participants into their late twenties and early thirties, we were able to detect changes in the impact of early family factors that are not apparent in studies restricted to adolescents and emerging adults. For example, parent education, parent disapproval, and parent-adolescent connectedness were associated with higher rates of partner acquisition at age 23, but faster deceleration in partner acquisition as time progressed. Communication about negative consequences of sex was not predictive, regardless of whether it was "on time" (before sexual intercourse) or not. These results reveal that parents have significant, and sometimes unexpected, influence on their children's sexual behavior that persists well into adulthood.

Therapeutic interventions with child survivors of sibling sexual abuse: The professionals’ perspective

Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is a continuum of childhood sexual behaviors that do not fit age-appropriate curiosity. SSA may be the most prevalent, longest lasting form of intrafamilial sexual abuse - and the least reported, studied and treated. This exploratory qualitative study examined the experience of intervention with SSA survivors from the perspective of mental health professionals, and explored their major therapeutic challenges. The sample consisted of 20 Jewish Israeli mental health professionals working in private clinics or public social welfare services who had experience with SSA. Semi-structured interviews focusing on the characteristics of SSA events, perceptions about the effects of abuse, intervention priorities and therapeutic challenges compared to other types of child abuse. Professionals working with SSA survivors are preoccupied with the need to provide them with physical and emotional protection, as well as to help them process the abuse narrative. They also find themselves dealing with survivors who do not experience themselves as victims despite external evidence of abuse, or with the need to reconcile their perception of the sexual relationship as mutual, as opposed to the formal requirement to differentiate between "offender" and "victim". In either case, the reality of these survivors can be just as painful as in other SSA cases. The complexity of SSA calls for unique intervention skills, including working with survivor narratives that do not fit the victim/offender dichotomy on one hand and that do not minimize the potentially harsh consequences of SSA on the other.

Psikoedukasi Pendidikan Seks untuk Meningkatkan Sikap Orangtua dalam Pemberian Pendidikan Seks

8-10 years old are the end period of children where children start to think logically, critically, creatively, and scientifically. Along with so much cases on child sexual violence, sex education is important to understand self, environment, and people around. Sex education is an effort to educate and direct proper sexual behavior in children. In Indonesia, sex education for children is still considered as taboo, especially at the age of early and middle age of children. Parents assume that sex education is inappropriate for young children. Psychoeducation needed to improve attitudes of parents in providing sex education on children. Subject of research are parents in grade III of SD Negeri M Malang (N=19). This research is pre-experiments research with one group pretest posttest design. The results showed an increase in parents attitudes before and after intervention (t =-2,932; p = 0.009). Thus, it can be concluded that the psychoeducation effective to improve the attitude of the parents in giving sex education on children

Perilaku Seksual Pranikah Anak Jalanan Tahun 2017

Street Children are vulnerable groups in carrying out risky behavior and most street children belong to the category of adolescents so that this becomes a very important problem in risky behavior in adolescents.behavior Sexualis a behavior that aims to attract the opposite sex and activity related to sexual relations conducted in an effort to satisfy sexual urges. The general purpose of this study is to find out the personal and environmental factors of street children sexual behavior in 2017. The research design is descriptive quantitative with a cross sectional approach and interviews with street children. This research instrument uses a structured questionnaire in accordance with the variables studied using primary data. The collected data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate and multivariate. Statistical test uses Chi Square test. Location used at the Philosophia Foundation School. The study sample with a total population of street children at the Philosophia Foundation School in 2017. The results showed that there were 2 personal variables related to age factors and knowledge and environmental factors found there was 1 variable pornography exposure to premarital sexual behavior on street children. The most dominant factor influencing environmental factors in terms of exposure to pornographic media with p-value 0,000 with OR 2,654 with premarital sexual behavior on street children. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to form adolescent care health services to overcome adolescent reproductive health problems and be a reference for deviant adolescents. It is expected that street children will increase promotive and preventive efforts in the form of reproductive health counseling on adolescents and peer group activities for early reproductive health education.

STUDI KASUS POLA ASUH ORANG TUA TENTANG SEKS EDUKASI PADA ANAK KORBAN KEKERASAN SEKSUAL DI KOTA SAMARINDA

The incidence of sexual violence increased by 44% from 2013 to 2015. Parents have a major role as a giver informasn sex education in preventing the incidence of sexual abuse in children.This study aims to provide an overview upbringing given by parents to children. The research is a qualitative research with case study approach. Key informants are parents of the victims and key informants is the Head KPAID Samarinda. This data retrieval techniques with in-depth interviews. Mechanical analysis using narrative approach. The results showed a lack of dimensional control with aspects of child behavior restrictions, lack of decisive aspect of preventing the sexual behavior of children and lack of control aspects. Dimensions warmth with aspects of the lack of parental supervision, lack of responsiveness and insensitive to children's emotions. It is suggested that parents provide early sex education to children properly and gradual age-appropriate child development. Various sectors also need to be encouraged to prevent and provide proper education to parents about their parenting to children.

Maternal Support as a Predictor of Children's Sexualized Behaviors Following Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Although previous studies have concluded that maternal support following children's sexual abuse disclosures is an important predictor of children's symptoms, the empirical data to support this is limited. Much of the small prior literature has used measures of maternal support without adequately reported psychometric properties, which may obscure the true relationship between support and children's sexual behaviors. Further, it is unclear whether maternal support is related to children's sexual acting out in the context of known predictors of sexual behaviors. The purposes of the current study were to (1) examine the relationships between support and children's sexual behaviors and (2) determine whether support is related to sexual behaviors after controlling for known predictors among 161 treatment-seeking children (6-12 years old; M = 8.70, SD = 2.69) and their nonoffending mothers. In the bivariate analyses, emotional support was negatively related to children's sexual behaviors, whereas maternal blame/doubt was positively correlated with sexual behaviors. Nonetheless, after controlling for other predictors, emotional support predicted developmentally related sexual behaviors but not sexual abuse-specific sexual behaviors. Levels of emotional support and blame/doubt predicted children's total sexual behaviors, after accounting for identified predictors, suggesting that support may play a small role in understanding children's sexual behaviors.

Clinical practice: recognizing child sexual abuse\u2014what makes it so difficult?

Recognizing child sexual abuse (CSA) in children is difficult, as there can be many hurdles in the assessment of alleged CSA. With this paper, we try to improve the recognition of CSA by discussing: (1) the difficulties regarding this matter and (2) the diagnostic evaluation of alleged CSA, combining both practical clinical recommendations based on recent research. Children are restrained to disclose CSA due to various reasons, such as fears, shame, and linguistic or verbal limitations. Associations between CSA and urogenital or gastrointestinal symptoms, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and atypical sexual behavior in children have been reported. However, these symptoms are non-specific for CSA. The majority of sexually abused children do not display signs of penetrative trauma at anogenital examination. Diagnosing a STI in a child can indicate CSA. However, other transmission routes (e.g., vertical transmission, auto-inoculation) need to be considered as well.Conclusion: The assessment consists of medical interview and child interview (parents and child separate and together) with special attention to the child’s development and behavior (problems), psychosocial situation and physical complaints, the child’s mental health, and the child’s trauma history; anogenital examination should be done in all cases of alleged CSA. The examination should be documented by photo or video graphically. Recent research suggests that videography may be the preferred method, and testing on STIs. The assessment should be done multidisciplinary by experienced professionals. Health-care professionals who care for children need to know how child protective agencies and law enforcement are organized. In case there are concerns about a child’s safety, the appropriate authorities should be alarmed.What is Known:• Sexual abuse in children often remains unrecognized in the majority of cases.What is New:• Research suggests that videographic documentation is preferred above photographic documentation for anogenital examination; observations of children’s behavioral reactions during examinations might be valuable in the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse; nucleic acid amplification testing can be used on vaginal swabs or urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea; the CRIES-13 and the CAPS-CA can be used to assess trauma-symptoms in children after sexual abuse.

The Diagnostic Utility of the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory for Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACTChildren with alleged child sexual abuse (CSA) need to be assessed systematically. The use of validated instruments during the assessment, like the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), could add diagnostic value. We aim to assess the diagnostic utility of the CSBI to differentiate between sexually abused and non-abused children. We conducted a systematic review. We searched the electronic databases MEDLINE and PsychInfo for studies comparing CSBI scores in sexually abused children and non-abused children (2–12 years old). Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the methodological quality. We included 7 (out of 1048) articles. The CSBI total scores were significantly higher in CSA-victims compared with non-abused children (in case–control settings). However, in children with suspected CSA, the results were ambiguous. One study reported significant differences. Another study reported weak diagnostic ability for the CSBI-3 in children with suspected CSA (a sensitivity and specificity of 0.50, with a positive predictive value of 0.28, and a negative predictive value of 0.72). Research on the diagnostic utility of the CSBI for suspected CSA is limited and shows disappointing results. Until more research is done, the CSBI should not be used on its own to differentiate between sexually abused and non-abused children.

Multimodal neuroimaging measures and intelligence influence pedophile child sexual offense behavior

Pedophilia is a heterogeneous disorder for which the neurobiological correlates are not well established. In particular, there are no biological markers identifying individuals with high risk to commit child sexual offense (CSO). Pedophiles with CSO (P+CSO; N = 73), pedophiles without CSO (P-CSO; N = 77), and non-pedophilic controls (NPC; N = 133) were assessed using multimodal structural neuroimaging measures including: cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), and white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), as well as full scale IQ (FSIQ) performance. Cortex-wise mediation analyses were used to assess the relationships among brain structure, FSIQ and CSO behavior. Lower FSIQ performance was strongly predict with P+CSO (Wald Chi2 = 13.0, p = 3.1 × 10-5). P+CSO had lower CT in the right motor cortex and pronounced reductions in SA spanning the bilateral frontal, temporal, cingulate, and insular regions (PFWE-corrected < 0.05). P+CSO also had lower FA particularly in the corpus callosum (PFWE-corrected < 0.05). The relationship between SA and P+CSO was significantly mediated by FSIQ, particularly in the prefrontal and anterior insular cortices (PFWE-corrected < 0.05). Within P+CSO, left prefrontal and right anterior cingulate SA negatively correlated with number of CSOs (PFWE-corrected < 0.05). This study demonstrates converging neurobiological findings in which P+CSO had lower FSIQ performance, reduced CT, reduced SA, and reduced FA, compared to P-CSO as well as NPC. Further, FSIQ potentially mediates abuse by pedophiles via aberrant SA, whereas the CT and FA associations were independent of FSIQ differences. These findings suggest aberrant neuroanatomy and lower intelligence as a potential core feature underlying child sexual abuse behavior by pedophiles.

Mothers' History of Child Sexual Abuse and Child Behavior Problems: The Mediating Role of Mothers' Helpless State of Mind.

This investigation evaluated a theoretically specified model of associations among mothers' history of child sexual abuse (CSA), a helpless state of mind (SOM) with regard to the mother-child relationship, and increased behavior problems in the next generation. Moreover, we evaluated the moderating influence of child gender on predicted relations between mothers' CSA severity and helpless SOM (i.e., moderated mediation). Participants were 225 biological mother-preschooler dyads (48% female; 46.4% Latinx) drawn from an ongoing, longitudinal study of representation and regulation in child development. Mothers' history of CSA was assessed when their children were 4 years old and emerged as a prominent risk factor in this diverse, high-risk community sample with 40% of mothers reporting contact-based sexual abuse prior to age 18. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect pathway from a continuous rating of mothers' CSA severity to increased externalizing behavior problems from ages 4 to 8 in the next generation via mothers' helpless SOM at age 6. Further, this indirect path was significant for mother-daughter dyads, but not for mother-son dyads. This investigation contributes to the neophyte literature on intergenerational CSA effects by revealing the impact of a mother's CSA history on her SOM regarding the mother-child relationship, particularly when parenting daughters. Clinical interventions that enhance survivors' awareness of and reflection on their SOM regarding the parent-child relationship may attenuate intergenerational CSA effects on child adaptation.

Polyvictimization and Sexual Risk Behaviors in College-Aged Women

Current research suggests a link between childhood sexual abuse and risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) in emerging adults. However, previous studies neglect evaluating the influence of high levels of cumulative childhood victimization. The present study examined the relationships among polyvictimization, six aggregate categories of childhood victimization, and RSB in college women. This study first examined the relative contributions of polyvictimization and individual categories of childhood victimization in predicting RSB and then tested whether polyvictimization contributes any unique variance, beyond that accounted for by the combination of all six aggregate categories in a sample of 321 college women in a Southern state. Regression analyses reveal that (a) polyvictimization accounts for a significant proportion of variability in scores for RSB, beyond that accounted for by any of the six categories of childhood victimization alone; (b) the categories of childhood victimization contribute little to no variability beyond that accounted for by polyvictimization; and (c) polyvictimization accounts for a significant proportion of variability in RSB, beyond that already accounted for by the simultaneous entry of all six categories as predictor variables. Results suggest treatment providers working with college students should assess polyvictimization in relation to RSB and inform their prevention efforts given this link.

Childhood adversity increases the risk of onward transmission from perinatal HIV-infected adolescents and youth in South Africa

Repeated exposure to childhood adversity (abuse, neglect and other traumas experienced before age 18) can have lifelong impacts on health. For HIV-infected adolescents and youth, such impacts may include onward transmission of HIV. To evaluate this possibility, the current study measured the burden of childhood adversity and its influence on risky health behaviors among perinatally-infected adolescents and youth. We surveyed 250 perinatally-infected adolescents and youth (13–24 years) receiving care in Soweto, South Africa. Both male and female participants reported on childhood adversity (using the ACE-IQ), sexual behavior, and psychosocial state. Viral load was also abstracted from their charts. We used logistic regressions to test the association between cumulative adversity and behavioral outcomes. Half the sample reported eight or more adversities. Overall, 72% experienced emotional abuse, 59% experienced physical abuse, 34% experienced sexual abuse, 82% witnessed domestic violence, and 91% saw someone being attacked in their community. A clear gradient emerged between cumulative adversities and behavioral risk. Having experienced one additional childhood adversity raised the odds of risky sexual behavior by almost 30% (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09–1.48). Viral suppression was poor overall (31% had viral loads >400 copies/ml), but was not related to adversity. Adversity showed a robust relationship to depression and substance abuse. Childhood adversity is common, influences the current health of HIV-positive adolescents and youth, and puts their sexual partners at risk for HIV infection. Greater primary prevention of childhood adversity and increased access to support services (e.g., mental health) could reduce risk taking among HIV-positive adolescents and youth.

Sexual content in video games: an analysis of the Entertainment Software Rating Board classification from 1994 to 2013.

Data was obtained about sexual content and rating for 23722 video games from 1994 to 2013 from the Entertainment Software Rating Board database; release dates and information on the top 100 selling video games was also obtained. A yearly prevalence of sexual content according to rating categories was calculated. Trends and comparisons were estimated using Joinpoint regression. Sexual content was present in 13% of the video games. Games rated 'Mature' had the highest prevalence of sexual content (34.5%) followed by 'Teen' (30.7%) and 'E10+' (21.3%). Over time, sexual content decreased in the 'Everyone' category, 'E10+' maintained a low prevalence and 'Teen' and 'Mature' showed a marked increase. Both top and non-top video games showed constant increases, with top selling video games having 10.1% more sexual content across the period of study. Over the last 20 years, the prevalence of sexual content has increased in video games with a 'Teen' or 'Mature' rating. Further studies are needed to quantify the potential association between sexual content in video games and sexual behaviour in children and adolescents.

Parental attitudes following disclosure of sibling sexual abuse: A child advocacy center intervention study.

Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) represents a range of childhood sexual behaviors that cannot be considered manifestations of age-appropriate curiosity. Despite being the commonest and longest lasting form of sexual abuse within the family, SSA is the least reported, treated, and researched. This qualitative study is based on a sample of 60 mostly religious Jewish families referred to a child advocacy center (CAC) in Jerusalem from 2010 to 2015. It examines parental attitudes to SSA and their reconstruction, during and after their experience at the CAC. Analysis of case summaries and documented conversations between child protection officers and parents reveals 2 main initial parental attitudes after the disclosure SSA. The first is the attitude that no sexual acts took place at all. The second is that they did occur, with 3 different variations: the sexual acts as "not serious," as a "rupture in the family's ideal narrative," and as "another tragic episode in the family's tragic life story." Findings also suggest that the CAC intervention is a turning point, leading most parents to reconstruct their initial attitudes from "never happened" or "not serious" to "rupture in the family image" or to "another negative event in the family." These findings underscore the need to study the experiences of parents whose children were involved in SSA to inform policy, treatment and research. This is critical, as interventions that are not aligned with family attitudes and needs are known to exacerbate the family crisis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Qualitative needs assessment: Iranian parents' perspectives in sexuality education of their children

Context: Parental education in sexuality plays a vital role in children's lives. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian parents' perspectives about the needs of children sexuality education. Setting and Design: This qualitative study was done in 2016. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative inquiry, seven sessions of community group interview and focus group discussions were conducted with the parents of Ghaemshahr, Iran, using purposive sampling (n = 39, 27 mothers and 12 fathers). Statistical Analysis Used: We employed thematic analysis method to extract our findings. Results: The findings were categorized into three essential needs: (1) parents' preparedness, (2) efficacious parental management, and (3) supportive environments. The sub-theme describing the theme 1 includes “the need for adequate knowledge to answer the sexual questions and the child's sexual curiosity” and “the need for awareness about the time of beginning an appropriate sexuality education for children.” Moreover, the sub-theme describing theme 2 includes “the need for sufficient skills to begin proper and intimate communication,” “the need for effective monitoring and care,” and “the need for capability in managing the child sexual behavior.” Moreover, the sub-theme describing theme 3 includes “the need to receive training from sexual health professionals,” “the need for authorized sexuality education programs,” “the need for national-wide policy-making and strategy planning in sexuality education,” and “the need for a comprehensive and complete educational resource.” Conclusion: Our findings suggest that to address the goals in sexuality education for children, parents' need to be prepared in knowledge, and gaining positive attitude and practical skills. To achieve these goals, supportive environments must be provided by policy-makers and health providers with culturally appropriate strategy planning.

KONTRIBUSI LINGKUNGAN KELUARGA DALAM MEMBANGUN PERILAKU SEKSUAL ANAK USIA DASAR

Sexual behavior is all behavior that is driven by sexual desire that is naturally owned by each human being. But the influence of various environments on child sexual behavior, making each child has different sexual behavior. One environment that plays a major role in contributing to child sexual behavior is the family environment. The contribution of the family in building the child’s sexual behavior can be done in the form of: (1) Provision of sex education for the child (2)Parental supervision on child sex behavior and (3) Parental attention to children’s activities. By considering these three things, the child’s sexual behavior can be safeguarded early and can prevent sexual behaviors that should not have occurred at the age of the basic child.&#x0D; Keywords: Family Contribution, Sexual Behavior, Basic Age

Childhood maltreatment and adolescent sexual risk behaviors: Unique, cumulative and interactive effects

Child maltreatment has been associated with sexual risk behaviors. Previous investigators have typically studied only one form of maltreatment, preventing them from exploring interrelations between forms of maltreatment and their impact on sexual risk behaviors. Thus, this study aims to examine the unique, cumulative, and interactive effects of four maltreatment forms (sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and witnessing interparental violence) on sexual risk behaviors. The sample comprised 1940 sexually active adolescents (Mage=15.6; 60.8% girls) attending Quebec (Canada) high schools. Regression results showed that all maltreatment forms were associated with having a higher number of sexual partners, casual sexual behavior, and a younger age at first consensual intercourse. Physical abuse and witnessing interparental violence were associated with inconsistent condom use, and physical abuse was associated with sexually transmitted infections. After controlling for all forms of maltreatment (unique effects), analyses showed that sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect or witnessing interparental violence remained statistically associated depending on the sexual risk behavior. A greater number of forms of maltreatment was associated with more sexual risk behaviors (cumulative effect). When sexual abuse was not experienced, neglect was associated with a higher number of sexual partners (interactive effects). In general, associations between maltreatment and sexual risk behaviors were similar for both genders. The magnitude of the relationship between a specific form of child maltreatment and sexual risk behaviors may be inaccurately estimated when not controlling for other forms of maltreatment.