Survivor and perpetrator characteristics in alcohol/drug-involved sexual violence victimization in the U.S.

In the United States, almost 500,000 people experience sexual violence  each year. Approximately half of these sexual violence cases involve substances by either the survivor, perpetrator, or both, with alcohol being the most used drug.

 

Current research on sexual violence and substance use has not included nationally representative samples, nor have existing studies examined victimization specific to men. In the article, Victim and perpetrator characteristics in alcohol/drug-involved sexual violence victimization in the U.S., RTI researchers used the 2010-2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) to examine victim and perpetrator substance use in instances of sexual violence in the United States.

 

The article determined that voluntary and involuntary substance use was common among sexual violence survivors. Further, involuntary use of substances by survivors is more common than what is currently documented, with 1 in 3 female and male survivors reporting involuntary use during at least one violent encounter. Program implementers need to consider how  use of substances among perpetrators and survivors of sexual violence should be addressed when tailoring existing sexual violence prevention programs.

 

Read the full article here.

 

Resources for survivors of sexual violence in the United States:

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE

RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: https://hotline.rainn.org/online

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Prevent Connect