The Epidemiology of Sexual Assault in Adolescents Gilberto A. Velez-Domenech, M.D. Division of Adolescent Medicine New York Medical College Westchester Medical Center Valhalla, New York

Epidemiology Age Rate (per 1000 persons)Age Rate (per 1000 persons) –Ages 12 to –Ages 16 to –Ages 20 to –Ages 25 to Gender DifferenceGender Difference –Female to Male Ratio 13.5:1

Epidemiology 66% to 75% of all sexual assaults are perpetrated by an acquaintance or a relative.66% to 75% of all sexual assaults are perpetrated by an acquaintance or a relative. Older adolescents, most commonly the victims during social encounters with assailantsOlder adolescents, most commonly the victims during social encounters with assailants Younger adolescents, assailant more likely to be a member of the extended family.Younger adolescents, assailant more likely to be a member of the extended family.

Epidemiology Adolescents are more likely than adults to have used alcohol or drugsAdolescents are more likely than adults to have used alcohol or drugs Adolescents are less likely to be physically injured. Assailant is less likely to use a weaponAdolescents are less likely to be physically injured. Assailant is less likely to use a weapon

Epidemiology Adolescents are more likely to delay seeking medical careAdolescents are more likely to delay seeking medical care Adolescents are less likely to press chargesAdolescents are less likely to press charges Male victims are less likely to report an assaultMale victims are less likely to report an assault

Epidemiology 90% of perpetrators of sexual assault against male adolescents are male90% of perpetrators of sexual assault against male adolescents are male Male perpetrators of male sexual assault identify themselves as heterosexualMale perpetrators of male sexual assault identify themselves as heterosexual Lack of clarity whether adolescent victims are more commonly heterosexual or homosexualLack of clarity whether adolescent victims are more commonly heterosexual or homosexual

Epidemiology Rate of perpetration by an acquaintance is similar for male and female victims.Rate of perpetration by an acquaintance is similar for male and female victims. Multiple assailants (gang rape), use of a weapon and forced oral assault are more common in assaults of males than femalesMultiple assailants (gang rape), use of a weapon and forced oral assault are more common in assaults of males than females Alcohol or drug use immediately before the SA is reported by >40% of victims and assailantsAlcohol or drug use immediately before the SA is reported by >40% of victims and assailants