Title: Risk Factors | Sexual Assault | INSPQ
Headings: Risk Factors
Risk Factors
A word of caution on the interpretation of risk factors
Factors associated with an increased risk of being sexually abused during childhood (0-18 years of age)
References

Content: Societal factors 9,10
Various societal factors have been associated with an increased risk of being sexually assaulted as an adult, in particular: traditional norms regarding gender roles, the presence of an ideology of male sexual entitlement, weak legal sanctions against sexual assault, and social norms that support sexual assault. Factors associated with an increased risk of committing sexual assault
There are many factors that can lead a person to commit sexual assault. 3
Most cases of sexual assault are symptomatic, at the individual level, of various unfulfilled needs, traumatic situations or events, and general development problems. 3
The risk factors associated with sexual assault by men are better known than those associated with sexual assault by women. Unless indicated otherwise, the factors discussed here apply for the most part to male perpetrators of sexual assault against minors and adults. Certain risk factors are associated more specifically with sexual abusers of children. Certain community and societal factors have been associated with an increased risk of committing sexual assault and thus show that sexual assault is a social phenomenon that concerns the population as a whole. Identifying factors that are associated with an increased risk of committing sexual assault helps to better plan prevention of this type of assault by making it possible to identify individuals at greater risk of becoming perpetrators and act on the factors concerned. Individual factors 9,10,12,13,14
In childhood
Being a victim of physical abuse* §
Witnessing family violence
Poor family functioning §
Being sexually abused* §
In adulthood
Low self-esteem
Sexual problems* §
Psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress) §
Social skill deficits*
Antisocial personality*
Personality disorders*
Substance abuse*
Use of alcohol
Faulty thinking in regard to child sexual abuse ( cognitive distortions )*
Viewing child pornography whose content reflects sexual assault fantasies
Belief in myths about rape
Coercive sexual fantasies
Behaviour problems
Hostility towards women
* Risk factors more specifically associated with child sexual abuse
§ Risk factors that also apply to sexual assault by women
Relationship/family factors 9,10,11,12
Dependence on men §
Problems with intimate relationships*
Associating with sexually delinquent peers
Social isolation*
Violent family environment
Patriarchal family environment
Poor family support

* Risk factors more specifically associated with child sexual abuse
§ Risk factors that also apply to sexual assault by women
Community factors 9,10
Poor employment opportunities
General tolerance of sexual assault within a community
Weak community sanctions against perpetrators of sexual assault
Poor institutional suppor