Revictimization, and Problem Drinking in Women Survivors of Sexual Assault

What is it about?

The study looked at women who had experienced adult sexual assault and how experiencing additional assaults (revictimization) affected their drinking behavior. Over 500 women survivors answered questionnaires at two points, one year apart. Researchers studied how coping by drinking, negative reactions from friends or family, and other stressful events predicted heavier drinking later. They found that these factors led to increased problem drinking only in women who had been sexually assaulted again during that year. Women who did not experience revictimization did not show the same increase. The findings clarify that being assaulted again makes certain risk factors more harmful. It shows that survivors who drink to cope and who face negative social responses are at higher risk for problem drinking if they are revictimized. This insight can guide how support services and interventions are tailored.

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Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash

Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These findings reveal that revictimization amplifies the effect of coping-related drinking, trauma experiences, and unsupportive social reactions on problem drinking among survivors of sexual assault. Tailored prevention and treatment approaches that focus on improving coping skills, strengthening supportive responses from social networks, and reducing revictimization risk may reduce alcohol misuse in vulnerable survivors.