Prevalence of sexual abuse history in a random sample of Norwegian women

Scand J Soc Med. 1990;18(1):63-8. doi: 10.1177/140349489001800110.

Abstract

In order to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of sexual abuse history among adult women, data from a gynecological interview of a random sample of 118 women aged between 20-49 were analysed. Childhood sexual abuse involving genital contact was reported by 8.5% of the women. Intrafamilial sexual abuse in childhood was reported by 7%, 10% of all women who had ever lived in a relationship reported sexual abuse by a violent spouse, additionally 7% had experienced sexual abuse by a non-violent spouse. 5% of all women had experienced adult sexual abuse by other than their spouse. Sexual abuse in childhood and by violent spouse was associated with a history of psychological problems and of suicidal ideation or attempts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / epidemiology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Prevalence
  • Random Allocation
  • Rape / psychology
  • Rape / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Spouse Abuse / epidemiology*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology