The Prevalence of Sexual Assault: Evidence for Social Work Education and Practice
The Prevalence of Sexual Assault: Evidence for Social Work Education and Practice

Summary/Abstract: Sexual assault is a major social problem that requires well-informed, empirically grounded policy and practice responses. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual assault in Texas and to add to our understanding of the crime of sexual assault. A representative sample of 1,200 adult women and men aged 18 and older from diverse ethnic/racial, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds was interviewed about their lifetime experiences of sexual assault victimization. Approximately 20 percent of women and five percent of men had been sexually assaulted during their lifetimes. Overall, the prevalence was 13 percent. The findings are consistent with research in general population in the U.S. and internationally underscoring the cross-cultural occurrence of adult sexual assault. This information can assist social workers to target support services to victims and to develop innovative services and policy recommendations for sexual assault survivors.

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