Sarah’s Story: Facts & Figures

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Sarah is a woman who was out with friends a few months ago and she was . She a disability and has social support in the form of friends and family. She seeks out a health care provider because she is experiencing symptoms.

Would you respond differently to Sarah based on changing elements in this scenario? Would your approach to her care change? If so, in what ways?

Age

Young


  1. 2004 GSS
  2. 2009 GSS
  3. Brennan, S., Taylor-Butts, A. (2008). Sexual Assault in Canada, 2004. Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics Profile Series. Catalogue no. 85F0033M, no. 19. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2010002/article/11292-eng.htm
  4. Grossin C, Sibille I, Lorin De La Grandmaison G, Banasr A, Brion F, Durigon M. Analysis of 418 cases of sexual assault. Forensic Science International 2003;131(2e3):125e30
  5. Hwa H-L, Chen S-C, Wu M-Z, Shun C-T, Liu S-K, Lee JC-I, et al. Analysis of cases of sexual assault presenting at a medical center in Taipei. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology 2010;49(2):165e9, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1028-4559(10)60035-6.
  6. Ingemann-Hansen O, Brink O, Sabroe S, Sørensen V, Charles AV. Legal aspects of sexual violenceedoes forensic evidence make a difference? Forensic Science International 2008;180(2e3):98e104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.07.009
  7. Ingemann-Hansen O, Sabroe S, Brink O, Knudsen M, Charles AV. Characteristics of victims and assaults of sexual violenceeimproving inquiries and prevention. Journal Of Forensic And Legal Medicine 2009;16(4):182e8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2008.07.004.
  8. Jänisch S, Meyer H, Germerott T, Albrecht U-V, Schulz Y, Debertin AS. Analysis of clinical forensic examination reports on sexual assault. International Journal of Legal Medicine 2010;124(3):227e35, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00414-010-0430-z.
  9. Nannini A. Sexual assault patterns among women with and without disabilities seeking survivor services. Womens Health Issues 2006;16(6):372e9.
  10. Portero G, Abasolo AE, De Francisco ML, Sudupe A, Hidalgo A. Trabajo empírico. Agresiones y Abusos sexuales en Bizkaia. In: Víctimas. Bienio 2009-2010. Vitoria-Gasteiz: Servicio Central de Publicaciones del Gobierno Vasco; 2011 (pp.181e226).
  11. Read KM, Kufera JA, Jackson MC, Dischinger PC. Population-based study of police-reported sexual assault in Baltimore, Maryland. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine 2005;23(3):273e8.
  12. Riggs N, Houry D, Long G, Markovchick V, Feldhaus K. Analysis of 1,076 cases of sexual assault. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2000;35(4):358e62, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0196-0644(00)70054-0.
  13. Fisher, B., Cullen, F., & Turner, M. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women: Findings from two national-level studies. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics
  14. Brennan, S., Taylor-Butts, A. (2008). Sexual Assault in Canada, 2004. Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics Profile Series. Catalogue no. 85F0033M, no. 19. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2010002/article/11292-eng.htm
  15. http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rsavcaf9513.pdf

Age

Middle Aged

Among women aged 31-54 reporting sexual assault to a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre in a metropolitan area in Ontario, Canadaxvi:


  1. Del Bove, G., Stermac, L., & Bainbridge, D. (2005). Comparisons of sexual assault among older and younger women. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 17(3), 1-18. doi:10.1300/J084v17n03_01.

Age

Older


  1. Bachman, R., Dillaway, H., & Lachs, M.S. (1998). Violence against the elderly. Research on Aging, 20, 183-199
  2. Government of British Columbia. (2005). Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults: Understanding Gender Differences. BC Health Files
  3. Burgess, A.W. & Morgenbesser, L.I. (2005). Sexual violence and seniors. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 5, 193-202.
  4. Safarik, M.E., Jarvis, J.P., & Nussbaum, K.E. (2002). Sexual homicide of elderly females: Linking offender characteristics to victim and crime scene attributes. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17, 500-525.
  5. Roberto, K.A. & Teaster, P.B. (2005). Sexual abuse of vulnerable young and old women. Violence Against Women, 11, 473-504.
  6. Del Bove, G., Stermac, L., & Bainbridge, D. (2005). Comparisons of sexual assault among older and younger women. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 17(3), 1-18. doi:10.1300/J084v17n03_01.
  7. Cartwright, P. & Moore, R.A. (1989). The elderly victim of rape. Southern Medical Journal, 82, 988-989.
  8. Muram, D.,Miller, K., & Cutler, A. (1992). Sexual assault of the elderly victim. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 7, 70-76.
  9. Del Bove, G., Stermac, L., & Bainbridge, D. (2005). Comparisons of sexual assault among older and younger women. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 17(3), 1-18. doi:10.1300/J084v17n03_01.

Context

Drinking Alcohol

There are two common Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) scenariosxxvi xxvii:

  1. An assailant may ply the victim with alcohol and/or drugs OR may give her alcohol/drugs without her knowing (i.e. spike her drink
  2. The victim may contribute to her incapacitation and vulnerability by consuming alcohol and/or drugs

  1. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  2. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  3. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  4. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  5. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  6. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  7. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  8. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.

Context

Taking Illegal Drugs

There are two common Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) scenariosxxxiv xxxv:

  1. An assailant may ply the victim with alcohol and/or drugs OR give her alcohol/drugs without her knowledge (i.e. spike her drink)
  2. The victim may contribute to their incapacitation and vulnerability by consuming alcohol and/or drugs

  1. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  2. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  3. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  4. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  5. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  6. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  7. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  8. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.

Context

Mixing Alcohol & Drugs

There are two common Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) scenariosxlii xliii:

  1. An assailant may ply the victim with alcohol and/or drugs OR give her alcohol/drugs without her knowledge (i.e. spike her drink)
  2. The victim may contribute to their incapacitation and vulnerability by consuming alcohol and/or drugs

  1. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  2. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  3. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  4. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  5. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  6. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.

Context

Intentionally Drugged

There are two common Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) scenariosxlviii xlix:

  1. An assailant may ply the victim with alcohol and/or drugs OR give her alcohol/drugs without her knowledge (i.e. spike her drink)
  2. The victim may contribute to their incapacitation and vulnerability by consuming alcohol and/or drugs

  1. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  2. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  3. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  4. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.
  5. Du Mont et al., (2009). Factors associated with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 180(5), 513-519.
  6. Du Mont et al., (2010). Drug-facilitated sexual assault in Ontario, Canada: Toxicological and DNA findings. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 17, 333-338.

Context

Walking Home and Other Activities


  1. http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rsavcaf9513.pdf

Disability

Has a Disability

Women who have been sexually assaulted may have a psychological, physical, cognitive or sensory disability. In some cases, women may have more than one disability.


  1. DAWN Ontario, Disabled Women’s Network Ontario, 2006
  2. Martin et al., 2006. Physical and sexual assault of women with disabilities. Violence Against Women, 12(9), 823-837.
  3. http://www.gov.nl.ca/VPI/facts/violence_against_women_with_disabilities_fs.pdf
  4. Martin et al., 2006. Physical and sexual assault of women with disabilities. Violence Against Women, 12(9), 823-837.
  5. Tyiska, 1998
  6. Nannini A. Sexual assault patterns among women with and without disabilities seeking survivor services. Womens Health Issues 2006;16(6):372-9
  7. Du Mont, J., White, M., Macdonald, S., & Turner, L. (YEAR). Are abused adolescent and adult women with disabilities satisfied with sexual assault and domestic violence treatment services in Ontario? Poster presented at XX.

Social Support

Good Social Suppot


  1. Atkeson et al., 1982
  2. Campbell et al., 2001
  3. Ullman, 1996a
  4. Ullman, 1996b
  5. Ullman, S. (1999). Social support and recovery from sexual assault: A review. Aggression and Violence Behavior, 4(3), 343-358
  6. Burgess & Holmstrom, 1978
  7. Testa et al., 1992
  8. Kimerling & Calhoun, 1994
  9. Kimerling & Calhoun, 1994
  10. Ullman, S. (1999). Social support and recovery from sexual assault: A review. Aggression and Violence Behavior, 4(3), 343-358.
  11. Lanthier, S., Du Mont, J., & Mason, R. (unpublished). Improving health care providers’ responses to non-acute adolescent and adult female sexual assault survivors: A systematic review of best practices in responding to delayed disclosure in health settings.
  12. Ullman, S. (1999). Social support and recovery from sexual assault: A review. Aggression and Violence Behavior, 4(3), 343-358.
  13. Lanthier, S., Du Mont, J., & Mason, R. (unpublished). Improving health care providers’ responses to non-acute adolescent and adult female sexual assault survivors: A systematic review of best practices in responding to delayed disclosure in health settings.

Social Support

Poor Social Support


  1. Golding, Wilsnack, & Cooper, 2002
  2. Golding, J.M., Wilsnack, S.C., & Cooper, M.L. (2002). Sexual assault history and social support: Six general population studies. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(3), 187-197.
  3. Du Mont, J., White, M., Macdonald, S., & Turner, L. (YEAR). Are abused adolescent and adult women with disabilities satisfied with sexual assault and domestic violence treatment services in Ontario? Poster presented at XX.
  4. Golding, J.M., Wilsnack, S.C., & Cooper, M.L. (2002). Sexual assault history and social support: Six general population studies. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(3), 187-197.
  5. Gillian E. Mason, Sarah Ullman, Susan E. Long, LaDonna Long, and Laura Starzynski
  6. Lanthier, S., Du Mont, J., & Mason, R. (unpublished). Improving health care providers’ responses to non-acute adolescent and adult female sexual assault survivors: A systematic review of best practices in responding to delayed disclosure in health settings.
  7. Davis et al., 1991
  8. Symonds, 1980

Sequelae

Physical

Some women may be affected by sexual assault for a long time whereas others may recover more quickly. Reactions and ability to cope may fluctuate and change over time and in response to other life events.

Common physical sequelae of sexual assault includelxxxiii:


  1. http://sassk.ca/about-sexual-assault/effects-of-sexual-assault#_ftn2

Sequelae

Psychological

Some women may be affected by sexual assault for a long time whereas others may recover more quickly. Reactions and ability to cope may fluctuate and change over time and in response to other life events.

Common psychological or emotional sequelae of sexual assault includelxxxiv:


  1. http://sassk.ca/about-sexual-assault/effects-of-sexual-assault#_ftn2