Social Work Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Sexual Assault Services In Multi-Service Agencies, Debra Patterson

Social Work Faculty Publications

Sexual assault is a pervasive social problem with 18% of women and 3% of men experiencing a completed or attempted assault during their lifetime. More than half of victimizations occur before the survivor reaches the age of eighteen (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Research also shows that twothirds of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the survivor, such as an acquaintance, friend or intimate partner. In fact, approximately 15% of sexual assaults are committed by an intimate partner. Many sexual assault survivors experience multiple negative outcomes such as psychological distress, physical health problems, and difficulties in life functioning (Gutner, …