Factors differentiating risk of sexual abuse victimization by adults and peers among adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that around half of all cases of sexual abuse among children and adolescents are perpetrated by peers. Yet, there is limited understanding of the distinct risk factors associated with adult versus peer offenders.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that increase the risk of sexual abuse victimization and explores variations in these factors depending on whether the perpetrator was an adult or a peer.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 9240 secondary school students aged between 12 and 16 years (M = 14, SD = 0.88) in Norway participated.

METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was administered in schools to investigate experiences of sexual abuse and potential risk factors. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS: Two factors were related to a greater risk of being a victim of sexual abuse committed by an adult than a peer: background from a non-European country (OR = 1.93, p = 0.038) and other experiences of violence (OR = 1.63-2.91, p < 0.005). The use of alcohol was found to be related to a greater risk of victimization by peers than by adults (OR = 0.53, p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents vulnerable to sexual abuse exhibit common traits, regardless of whether the perpetrator is an adult or peer. Yet, specific factors heighten the risk with peers over adults, and vice versa. Recognizing distinct risk factors for abuse by adults and peers enables decision-makers and community workers to create targeted prevention strategies for children and adolescents.