Sexual violence against college women with disabilities examined

Patterns of sexual violence and intimate partner violence aimed at female college students with a mental health-related or behavioural disability and the health effects of this abuse are presented in a new study.

Amy Bonomi, Emily Nichols, Rebecca Kammes, and Troye Green, Michigan State University, East Lansing, report how sexual violence and disability-specific abuse can worsen mental health outcomes for women with a disability. These negative mental health effects were typically accompanied by other adverse behavioural, physical, and academic outcomes.

In the article, the researchers describe the different types and frequency of violence and abuse suffered by women across their three most recent sexual partners, and the role alcohol may have played.

"This study contributes to our knowledge about the potential mental health effects and related impact of violence against women committed by sexual partners," said Susan G. Kornstein, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health.

"By demonstrating the particular vulnerability of women with a disability to the adverse health effects of sexual abuse, these results highlight the need for appropriate mental health services and sexual violence prevention programs on college campuses," she added.

The study is published in Journal of Women's Health. (ANI)