Sexual revictimization among sexual minorities: A preliminary study

Abstract

The present study examined patterns of sexual assault and its psychological correlates among gay men, lesbians, and bisexual men and women (GLB). A community sample of 342 GLB individuals completed questionnaires assessing victimization history and psychological functioning. Nearly 63% of participants reported some form of sexual assault, and nearly 40% reported sexual revictimization, defined as contact or penetrative sexual assault reported in both childhood and adulthood. Gay men and bisexual men and women were more likely to report sexual revictimization than lesbians. Sexual victimization was associated with greater psychological distress, with sexually revictimized individuals reporting the highest levels of psychological symptomatology. The implications of these findings are discussed, and suggestions for future directions are offered.