Academic Research

Young Women's Risk of Sexual Aggression in Bars: The Roles of Intoxication and Peer Social Status

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Results

Over a quarter (28.9%) of women reported persistence only, 5.3% unwanted touching only and 18.7% both. Sexual aggression was associated with consuming more alcohol on the survey night and whether other group members experienced sexual aggression that night. The relationship with amount consumed was stronger for touching than for persistence. Having a lower status position in the group was associated with increased risk of sexual aggression among women who had consumed five or more drinks.

Discussion and Conclusions

Prevention should address social norms and other factors that encourage men to target specific women for sexual aggression, including perceptions by staff and patrons that intoxicated women are "easy" or more blameworthy targets and the possible role of women's social status in their peer groups. [Graham K, Bernards S, Abbey A, Dumas T, Wells S. Young women's risk of sexual aggression in bars: The roles of intoxication and peer social status. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:393-400]

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