Anooshian, L. (2005). Violence and aggression in the lives of homeless children: A review. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 10, 129-152. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Intervention programs for homeless children and families must address violence and aggressions to be effective.

Abstract: Homeless children are exposed to violence in many ways. Other than the inherent danger of living on the street, homeless children are often exposed to violence in relation to the experience of their homeless mothers. Homeless women report extraordinary levels of violence in their lives. Many women become homeless as a result of domestic violence, making it likely that their children have witnessed abuse from, or have been abused themselves by, an absent parent. In addition, homeless children may experience ongoing violence in their relationship with a homeless parent. There are many consequences of violence in the lives of homeless children and their families, the most pervasive of which is social isolation. Other consequences include behavior problems, aggression with peers, rejection, lack of trust, and many other issues related to poor parenting.

Multiple factors related to homelessness and violence intersect in the lives of homeless children, and many theories of youth violence can be related to these factors (which are reviewed in this article).

Topics: Adolescent/high school; underserved populations

Beck, A. J., & Hughes, T. A. (2005). Sexual violence reported by correctional authorities, 2004. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice. NCJ 210333. Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/svrca04.htm

Given the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, this study provides a review of the 2004 administrative survey of sexual violence in adult and juvenile corrections (public and private prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and others). Sexual violence was measured as nonconsensual sexual acts, abusive sexual contacts, staff sexual misconduct, and staff sexual harassment. Results of the review revealed that 5,528 allegations of sexual violence were recorded in 2004, with prison systems reporting 42% of those allegations. Specifically, staff sexual misconduct yielded the highest rate (with 1.31 allegations/1,000 inmates) and inmate-on-inmate nonconsensual acts yielded the second highest rate (1.16 allegations/1,000 inmates). Additional rates are reviewed concerning substantiated incidents, victim and perpetrator demographics, and administrative responses to sexual violence within corrections.

Topics: Male rape; prevalence; prison rape; underserved populations

Goodman, L. A., Dutton, M. A., & Harris, M. (1995). Episodically homeless women with serious mental illness: Prevalence of physical and sexual assault. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 65, 468-478.

This study examines lifetime prevalence, severity, and recency of physical and sexual assault among homeless women diagnosed with serious mental illness. Results indicate a heightened risk for violent victimization with most respondents experiencing elevated levels of severe abuse beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. The study also examines the impact of ethnicity, education, and psychiatric diagnosis on levels of victimization. Implications for research and service delivery are discussed.

Topics: Prevalence; underserved populations

 Heise, L., Ellsberg, M., & Gottemoeller, M. (1999). Ending violence against women. Population Reports, Series L, Number 11, 1-43.

This report provides an admirably thorough review of the various dimensions concerning violence against women across the globe. The authors begin by addressing the concept of gender-based violence, how health care providers can help, and what societal responses should entail in curbing the problem. The report discusses in detail the prevalence and ramifications of intimate partner abuse, sexual coercion, impact of violence on women’s reproductive health, threats to health and development, the role of health providers in recognizing and treating the effects of violence, and finally, an agenda for change. The report includes numerous charts presenting, for example, cross-cultural data on issues related to rates of approval of wife-beating and prevalence of forced first intercourse in various countries. The report also includes examples of posters used to educate women and increase awareness of the issues in different countries as well as several useful charts with instructions and guidelines for health care providers. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding violence against women on a global level.

Topics: Community attitudes/responses; disclosure; effects; injury; male-female relations; marital rape; medical response; myths/stereotypes; perpetration; prevalence; prevention; racial/ethnic differences; risk; statistics; underserved populations; vulnerability

Hyde, J. (2005). From home to street: Understanding young people's transitions into homelessness. Journal of Adolescence, 28, 171-183. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Service providers need to recognize the agency of young homeless people in order to work with them effectively.

Abstract: Fifty homeless youth in Los Angeles, California, were interviewed concerning why they left home and become homeless. Although abuse and negelect at home played a part in the decision for many of these youths, they maintained a sense of agency concerning their decision to leave. Service providers often portray homeless youth as victims without recognizing their agency and ability to make decisions for themselves.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; underserved populations

Isely, P. J., Busse, W., & Isely, P. (1998). Sexual assault of males in late adolescence: A hidden phenomenon. Professional School Counseling, 2, 153-160.

Recently a small body of research has shown that adolescent males, 16 years of age and older, are at risk of sexual assault. The sexual assault of adolescent males, however, has not been thoroughly explored. Much like sexually abused children, these survivors display significant emotional difficulties as a consequence of the sexual assault. An awareness of this type of abuse may assist in the early identification and treatment of this unacknowledged population.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; male rape; underserved populations

Kang, S. T., Magura, S., Laudet, A., & Whitney, S. (1999). Adverse effect of child abuse victimization among substance-using women in treatment. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14, 657-670.

This study examined the adverse effect of childhood sexual/physical abuse among 171 substance-abusing women with infants or young children who were admitted to the Family Rehabilitation Program in New York City. Approximately one-half of the women (51%) self-reported ever having been sexually (24%) or physically (45%) abused in their childhood. Having a history of childhood abuse experiences, particularly sexual abuse, was associated with various areas of adult life functioning. Approximately 13 months after program admission, 82% of the sample was recontacted for follow-up. No significant associations were found between childhood abuse experiences and length of retention in services. However, several significant differences in service outcomes between sexually or physically abused women and nonabused women were found. The abused women had significantly more problems relating to drug use and psychiatric/psychological adjustment at follow-up. The findings support a need for substance dependency treatment programs tailored for women who have experienced serious childhood abuse.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; risk; underserved populations

Lankenau, S., Clatts, M., Welle, D., Goldsamt, L., & Gwadz, M. (2005). Street careers: Homelessness, drug use, and sex work among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). International Journal of Drug Policy, 16, 10-18. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Effective social policies and interventions will recognize that homelessness, drug involvement, and sex work are interrelated aspects of the street economy.

Abstract: This article describes ethnographic interviews with ten young, homeless men who have sex with men in New York City. It describes the "street capital" these men have accumulated as they have participated in the street economy as sex workers, and the "street competencies" these men have learned while surviving on the street.

The article argues that these men began to accumulate "street capital" at an early age through experiences in various institutions, including their family, foster care, schools, hospitals, and jails. Combined with homelessness, different types of street capital combined with street competencies to result in street careers as sex workers participating in the street economy.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Lira, L. R., Koss, M. P., & Russo, N. F. (1999). Mexican American women's definitions of rape and sexual abuse. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 21, 236-265.

This paper addresses the concept of rape from the perspective of Mexican American immigrant women living in America. It begins with an overview of cultural meanings of rape and sexual abuse and the impact thereof within an appreciation of cultural differences affected by religious norms, images of women, and notions of sexuality among Latinas. The study presented in this paper involved 17 Mexican American women living in Arizona who participated in four focus groups. Their discussions focused on issues pertaining to unwanted sexual contact. Definitions elicited from these discussions included notions of "rapto," "violacion,” and "abuso sexual." Furthermore, the women discussed child rape and abuse, adult rape and abuse, the causes of rape, wife rape, the causes of wife rape, and ultimately, the silence of victims. The intermingling of traditional and modern meanings of such concepts should not be underestimated nor easily overlooked when addressing the issue of rape among Latinas. Research, prevention, intervention, and treatment programs must therefore be sensitive toward culturally appropriate approaches to this issue and must be mindful of the language used to express the various experiences and perceptions in order to gage an accurate assessment of the prevalence of rape among Latinas. Due to the significance of silence and the rape experiences reported by the participants, it is very likely that underreporting is a grave reality among Latinas.

Topics: Male-female relations; marital rape; racial/ethnic differences; underserved populations

Moffitt, T. E., & Caspi, A. (1999). Findings about partner violence from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. National Institute of Justice: Research in Brief, 1-12.

This report summarizes the results of a study conducted on a birth cohort of 1,037 men and women born in New Zealand between April 1, 1972 and March 31, 1973. The Dunedin researchers focused on partner violence as a potential example of antisocial behavior during childhood and teenage delinquency carried over into adulthood. Results of the study revealed that partner violence is associated with risk factors in childhood and adolescence involving poverty and low academic achievement for men and harsh family discipline and parental discord for women. Mental illness was present among 65% of females exposed to physical abuse and among 88% of the male perpetrators. The strongest risk factor for male and female perpetrators of partner violence involved a history of physically aggressive behavior prior to the age of 15 years. The findings from this study suggest that three intervention tactics are necessary to reduce partner violence in adulthood. The first needs to teach teenagers to avoid using violence against their partners. The second strategy involves interventions with young parents to reduce their stress and subsequently reduce the potential for exposure of their children to violence within the home. Lastly, given the findings that perpetrators of partner violence tend to be mentally ill and engage in other violent crimes, intervention needs to draw upon the interaction of law enforcement, the judicial system, and the mental health profession.

Topics: Marital rape; perpetration; prevention; risk; underserved populations

Monto, M. A., & Hotaling, N. (2001). Predictors of rape myth acceptance among male clients of female street prostitutes. Violence Against Women, 7, 275-293.

There has been surprisingly little research conducted on male clients of female street prostitutes, despite the fact that prostitutes frequently experience violence. In this study, the authors explore "rape myth acceptance" and its predictors among 1,286 men arrested for soliciting street prostitutes in San Francisco (n = 950), Las Vegas (n = 254), and Portland, Oregon (n = 82). Rape myths were defined as attitudes believed to support sexual violence against women. Arrested clients filled out survey questionnaires prior to their participation in programs designed to discourage recidivism. Results indicate low levels of rape myth acceptance among respondents in general, although a few expressed higher levels. Regression analysis showed that the strongest predictors of rape myth acceptance were attraction to violent sexuality, sexual conservatism, and less frequent thoughts about sex.

Topics: Myths/stereotypes; underserved populations

Rew, L., Whittaker, T., Taylor-Seehafer, M., & Smith, L. (2005). Sexual health risks and protective resources in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual homeless youth. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 10, 11-19. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Services for homeless youth should be specific for both gender and sexual orientation.

Abstract: This article compares the sexual health risks taken by homeless youth who identify as gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual to those taken by homeless youth who identify as heterosexual. Survey data collected from 425 homeless adolescents between 16 and 20 years of age were analyzed.

More gay and lesbian youth reported sexual abuse, and being tested and treated for HIV than heterosexual youth. Gay and lesbian youth also scored lower on measures of assertive communication. Among gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual respondents, more males than females identified as homosexual and more females than males identified as bi-sexual.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Stromsness, M. M. (1993). Sexually abused women with mental retardation: Hidden victims, absent resources. Women & Therapy, 14, 139-152.

The author of this report examines the occurrence of sexual abuse experienced by adult women with mild mental retardation. The author collected data from 14 women in a nonclinical population using a 55-item structured interview. The results indicated that approximately 82% of survivors were molested prior to their 18th birthday. While sex education does not prevent abuse the author reports that it appeared to increase reporting. Additionally, the author found that the majority of survivors interviewed had received no medical assistance, mental health, or legal services. The author concludes that women with mental retardation encounter substantial barriers that prevent access to services.

Topics: Disabled; underserved populations

Tyler, K., Cauce, A., & Whitbeck, L. (2004). Family risk factors and prevalence of dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 28, 355. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Programs and interventions that detect and deal with dissociative symptoms in homeless youth can help them to cope with this mental health issue.

Abstract: This article describes an analysis of interviews with 328 homeless and runaway youth in Seattle, Washington. These interviews were conducted to examine family risk factors for dissociative symptoms among these youths. Dissociative symptoms are experienced as altered consciousness and memory, which results in a trance-like state or perception. Dissociative behavior is an impaired mental state, and can be detrimental to overall mental health.

This study reveals that dissociative symptoms are widespread among homeless youth. These symptoms are correlated with experiences of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and having a history of familial mental health problems. The study found no differences between genders.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; underserved populations

Tyler, K., Whitbeck, L., Hoyt, D., & Cauce, A. (2004). Risk factors for sexual victimization among male and female homeless and runaway youth. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 19, 503-520. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Risk factors for sexual victimization differ between male and female homeless youth.

Abstract: Three-hundred and seventy-two homeless youth were interviewed, in order to examine the risk factors associated with being sexually victimized in this population. The study revealed that, for females, leaving home for the first time at an earlier age was associated with being victimized by an acquaintance or stranger. Engaging in deviant subsistence strategies, engaging in survival sex, and grooming (having a clean or pleasing physical appearance) were associated with being victimized by an aquaintance.

For males, victimization by strangers was associated with survival sex and grooming. Sexual orientation was associated with victimization by an aquaintance. Thirty-five percent of the total sample of homeless youth reported having been sexually victimized.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; prevalence; underserved populations

Whitbeck, L., Chen, X., Hoyt, D., Tyler, K., & Johnson, K. (2004). Mental disorder, subsistence strategies, and victimization among gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless and runaway adolescents. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 329-342. [Posted August 2006.]

Key Points: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless youth are more likely to have been sexually and physically abused by caretakers or on the streets, to engage in risky survival strategies, and to meet the criteria for a mental disorder than heterosexual homeless youth.

Abstract: This study examined participation in deviant subsistence strategies, having been physically or sexually victimized while homeless, and lifetime prevalence of five mental disorders among self-identified heterosexual, gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless adolescents in four Midwestern states. The mental disorders under consideration were conduct disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

The study revealed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents were more likely than heterosexuals to have been physically or sexually abused by caretakers, to engage in high-risk survival strategies (such as survival sex), to be physically and sexually victimized while homeless, and to meet the criteria for one of the mental disorders.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender; underserved populations

Wolff, N., Blitz, C., Shi, J., Bachman, R., Siegel, J. (2006). Sexual violence inside prisons: Rates of victimization. Journal of Urban Health, 83, 835-848. [Posted October 2006.]

Key Points: Sexual victimization in prisons (including sexual contact and nonconsensual sex acts) occurs most frequently between female inmates.

Abstract: To estimate the prevalence of sexual violence in a prison system, male (n=6,964) and female inmates (n=564) in twelve prisons in a small eastern state completed a computer-assisted survey. Inmates were asked about incidents involving abusive sexual contact and non-consensual sex acts by other inmates or by prison staff within the last 6 months. Females reported inmate-on-inmate sexual violence at 212 incidents per 1000 inmates while males reported only 43 incidents per 1000 inmates. Rates of non-consensual sex (inmate on inmate) were 32 per 1000 for women and 15 per for men. Staff-on-inmate sexual victimization rates were the same for men and women (76 per 1000), with men reporting 19 per 1000 incidents of non-consensual sex vs. 17 per 1000 for women.

This study had a good response rate (average 39%) from all inmates housed in general population. Because rates of sexual violence varied by the site, future studies should look at factors that can minimize risks. Inmate experiences of trauma and disease from forced sex should be addressed to prevent them from contributing to the ill health of their community when they are released. 

Topics: Male rape; prevalence; prison rape; underserved populations

Updated 08/01/07