Profile of Young Victims of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: a Gender Comparison Using a Swiss National Survey

Details

Ressource 1Download: Profile of young victims of USE - postprint.pdf (2583.00 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Author's accepted manuscript
License: Not specified
Serval ID
serval:BIB_8830DC45FA28
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Profile of Young Victims of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: a Gender Comparison Using a Swiss National Survey
Journal
Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Author(s)
Auderset Diane, Akre Christina, Barrense-Dias Yara, Berchtold André, Jacot-Descombes Caroline, Leeners Brigitte, Morselli Davide, Surís Joan-Carles
ISSN
1868-9884
1553-6610
Publication state
Published
Issued date
07/03/2020
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Language
english
Abstract
Introduction
Youths are particularly at risk of experiencing sexual victimization but research tends to focus on the most violent forms (i.e. rape or child sexual abuse) and on female cases. This study aimed at identifying factors associated to different types of unwanted sexual experiences (USE) among young females and males as well as estimating probabilities of experiencing sexual victimization among gender.
Methods
Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey on sexual health and behaviors using a nationally representative sample of youths aged 24–26 living in Switzerland. Respondents (N = 5290) were divided in three categories of reported USE, ordered by conceptualized severity. The fourth group was constituted of those never having experienced any. Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using demographic characteristics and risk behavior indicators.
Results
At the multivariate level, the higher the severity of USE, the higher the number of associated factors, revealing the complexity of this issue. Females had a higher probability of experiencing sexual victimization than of never experiencing any, with a probability of two out of three. They faced higher probabilities of sexual victimization than males, although males’ probability of USE were not as marginal as expected, further considering that they are found to face higher rates of non-disclosure than females.
Conclusion
USE is a complex issue, and the level of complexity increases in parallel with its severity. Although it is much more frequent among females, males report highers rates than expected.
Keywords
Sociology and Political Science, Health(social science), Gender Studies
Web of science
Funding(s)
Swiss National Science Foundation / Projects / 162538
Create date
09/03/2020 8:21
Last modification date
14/02/2023 6:56
Usage data