Web resource:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0034784583&partnerID=40&md5=b110d38b81700044a8434bd5b64981e6
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Childhood sexual abuse among Australian prisoners
Other Titles:	Venereology
Authors:	Fleming, J Levy, M Kaldor, J Donovan, B Butler, T
Year:	2001
Citation:	No 3 Vol.: 14
Notes:	Objectives: To determine the history of childhood sexual abuse in male and female prisoners and to examine the association between sexual abuse and mental health outcome measures and behavioural risk factors. Method: Cross sectional random sample of 789 prisoners (657 men and 132 women) from 27 correctional centres across New South Wales, stratified by sex, age and Aboriginality. Data were collected in face to face interviews. Participants were asked about sexual activity before the age of 16 involving an adult or older person. Measures of mental health included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Results: Approximately half of the female prisoners and 16 per cent of the men reported being sexually abused before the age of 16. Sexual abuse was associated with a history of psychiatric treatment and suicide attempts. Male victims were more likely to report self harm, depression and involvement in violent relationships. In both sexes, those with a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to have had a sexually transmissible disease. Women victims were more likely to report subsequent abusive adult relationships involving physical assault, sexual assault and verbal abuse. Both intrafamilial abuse and before age 10 were associated with a history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: A history of childhood sexual abuse is much more common in NSW prisoners than in the general community and is associated with long term mental health and behavioural risks. Prisons could encourage disclosure of childhood sexual abuse and provide counselling and support to victims. Cited By (since 1996):5Export Date: 23 July 2013Source: Scopus
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13815
Physical description:	Pages 109-115
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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