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African American and White Women’s Experience of Sexual Assault and Services for Sexual Assault

2014; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 23; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/10926771.2014.953715

1545-083X

Mark D. Weist, Linda Kinney, Leslie K. Taylor, Jennifer Pollitt-Hill, Yaphet Bryant, Laura G. Anthony, Jennifer Wilkerson,

Intimate Partner and Family Violence

This article presents the results of a study assessing the needs and experiences of African American and White female survivors of sexual assault in the state of Maryland. Eight specific hypotheses regarding differences in the needs and experiences of African American as compared to White women receiving partial or no support through analyses of interview data drawn from 213 survivors (African American survivors, n = 133; White survivors, n = 80) were explored. No differences were reported in medical care received; however, in comparison to their White counterparts, African American women reported decreased use of sexual assault crisis centers and mental health services, and postassault help-seeking through use of sexual assault hotlines. Barriers and facilitators associated with treatment experiences differed by ethnicity. Findings are discussed in relation to future directions for research, and service and policy improvement for survivors of sexual assault.