Work

Women’s Awareness of and Discomfort With Sexual Assault Cues

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Two studies examined the effects of alcohol and relationship type on women's sexual assault risk perception. Study 1 participants (N = 62) consumed a moderate alcohol dose or nonalcoholic beverage, then rated their awareness of and discomfort with sexual assault risk cues in a hypothetical encounter with a new or established dating partner. Study 2 (N = 351) compared control, placebo, low, and high alcohol dose conditions using a similar scenario. Intoxicated women reported decreased awareness of and discomfort with risk cues. An established relationship decreased discomfort ratings. Findings indicate that alcohol may increase women's sexual victimization likelihood through reduced sexual assault risk perception.

Source: Violence Against Women

DOI: 10.1177/1077801209340759

Authors: Kelly Cue Davis, Susan A. Stoner, Jeanette Norris, William H. George, N. Tatiana Masters

Institutions: University of Washington, Talaria (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism