An Evaluation of Adolescent and Young Adult (Re)Victimization Experiences: Problematic Substance Use and Negative Consequences

We investigated substance use and negative consequences in women who experienced an initial sexual assault (SA) in high school and subsequently in college. More than 650 participants completed questionnaires assessing substance use/consequences, SA history, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology. Revictimized women reported differential substance use/consequences relative to controls underscoring the need to conceptualize adolescence as a key developmental period with a unique pathway to a subsequent SA, especially in association with substance use. We propose that prevention interventions should begin no later than ninth grade to limit the risk for an initial experience of SA and any consequential substance use and abuse.