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The Effects of Gender and Family Wealth on Sexual Abuse of Adolescents

Author

Listed:
  • Eyglo Runarsdottir

    (School of Education, University of Iceland, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Edward Smith

    (Prevention Research Center, Penn State University, State College, PA 16801, USA)

  • Arsaell Arnarsson

    (School of Education, University of Iceland, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland)

Abstract

Background: Sexual abuse and sexual assaults against adolescents are among the most significant threats to their health and well-being. Some studies have found poverty to be a risk factor for sexual abuse. The present study investigates the effects of gender and family affluence on the prevalence of sexual abuse of 15-year-old Icelanders in the 10th grade. Methods: The study is based on data collected for the Icelandic part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in 2014. Standardized questionnaires were sent to all students in the 10th grade in Iceland, of which 3618 participated (85% of all registered students in this grade). Results: Girls were more than twice as likely to be sexually abused as boys (20.2% versus 9.1%). Adolescents perceiving their families to be less well off than others were twice as likely to report sexual abuse as those of ample or medium family affluence. However, family affluence had more effect on the prevalence of abuse in girls than in boys. Conclusion: Female gender and low socioeconomic status may independently contribute to the risk of sexual abuse.

Suggested Citation

  • Eyglo Runarsdottir & Edward Smith & Arsaell Arnarsson, 2019. "The Effects of Gender and Family Wealth on Sexual Abuse of Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:10:p:1788-:d:232837
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gault-Sherman, Martha & Silver, Eric & Sigfúsdóttir, Inga Dóra, 2009. "Gender and the associated impairments of childhood sexual abuse: A national study of Icelandic youth," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(10), pages 1515-1522, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Miao-Ju Chwo & Shi-Hao Huang & Yao-Ching Huang & Iau-Jin Lin & Chia-Peng Yu & Chi-Hsiang Chung & Wu-Chien Chien & Chien-An Sun & Gwo-Jang Wu, 2022. "Sexual Assault Is the Biggest Risk Factor for Violence against Women in Taiwan—A Nationwide Population Cohort Study from 2000 to 2015," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.

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