Research results...
Survey of sexual abuse in the Quebec population
In June 2006, during its annual press conference, the Marie-Vincent Foundation disclosed the results of a recent survey carried out by the Chair in March, on the prevalence and consequences of various forms of childhood maltreatment in the Quebec population. Over a two-week time frame, a telephone survey was carried out by a specialized survey firm that allowed gathering from 1000 Quebec adults pertinent descriptive data concerning maltreatment of children. The following preliminary data were communicated during the press conference.
Objectives
The questionnaire focused on establishing the prevalence and co-occurrence of various forms of maltreatment toward children (physical, sexual and psychological abuse) as reported by an adult Quebec population and determining the adult consequences of maltreatment suffered in childhood, according to various forms of victimization and other events the victim may have been subject to. For this, a representative sampling of the Quebec population was surveyed according to different variables, including maltreatment suffered in childhood.
Chief Results
According to survey results, more than one out of three adults stated having experienced at least one form of violence in childhood, of which 16% were sexual violence, 19% physical violence and 22% psychological violence.
Quebec women report significantly more sexual violence in children than men. Men report having experienced more physical violence. Men and women report a similar rate of psychological violence.
More than one out of five sexual abuse victims reports having been abused by more than one person during another sexual abuse situation, this revictimization occurred during adolescence for three-fourths of them.
Characteristics of Sexual Violence Experienced in Childhood
Almost one out of two victims were sexually abused by a person familiar to but not kin to them, while 16% of sexual fondling victims were abused by strangers. This is true for 10% of rape victims.
Half of sexual fondling victims were abused by a relative or member of their immediate family, while one-quarter of rape victims were abused by an immediate family member.
Over half of sexual fondling victims experienced their first abuse between the ages of six and 11, while nearly seven out of 10 rape victims were abused for the first time in adolescence.
Disclosure Characteristics
One victim out of five never disclosed the sexual abuse experienced to anyone. Half of the victims waited at least five years from the first abuse before disclosing it.
Adult Psychological and Physical Health of Childhood Sexual Violence Victims
Adults who were victims of childhood sexual violence report more symptoms of psychological distress than adult non-victims (depression, anxiety, irritability or cognitive problems). They also manifest more post-traumatic stress symptoms, are more apt to use alcohol on a daily basis and to have used drugs. Adults who were childhood sexual abuse victims report poorer health and are more likely to have used tranquilizers in the preceding two weeks.
