Potential risk factors for rape in three ethnic groups

This article describes the frequency of possible risk factors that emerged during a cross-cultural study of psychosocial response to sexual assault among African-American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white women presenting for treatment at a major urban rape treatment center. Of 881 victims screened, 51% had no observable risk factors while 49% fell into categories of variables that previous research has associated with increased vulnerability. Included were mental disability (psychiatric or developmental), a prior history of rape or incest, tourist or visitor status (site unfamiliarity), and homelessness. Ethnic groups differed significantly in these categories, suggesting socioeconomic and cultural variables that may affect rape statistics and that should be taken into account in rape prevention programs in the community.