Almost half of women have experienced sexual violence as adults, survey shows

AN alarming number of Victorian women have experienced sexual violence as adults, reporting a range of horrifying acts that have medical professionals concerned.

Almost half women surveyed had experienced some form of sexual violence, according to new research. Picture: file photo

ALMOST half of women surveyed in doctors’ waiting rooms have experienced sexual violence, most commonly flashing, unwanted groping or being coerced into sex.

University of Melbourne ­researchers, who surveyed more than 200 Victorian women across four GP clinics, uncovered an “alarming prevalence” of sexual violence.

Dr Laura Tarzia, from the Department of General Practice, said women who had ­experienced sexual violence as adults were more likely to have higher levels of anxiety than those who had not.

While mostly associated with rape, the broad range of behaviours included groping, being coerced into sex or having a partner refuse to wear a condom.

“It’s any sort of sexual behaviour that is perpetrated against someone’s will,” Dr Tarzia.

“We found 45 per cent of the 230 women had experienced at least one incident of sexual violence. ​”​

While it’s known that severe cases of sexual violence can cause trauma, depression and anxiety, she said it was important to note that their study showed even women who had experienced other forms appeared to have poorer mental health.

“I think it’s important to note that women who haven’t been raped but have experienced another form of sexual violence can still experience detrimental effects to their mental health and wellbeing.”

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The researchers approached women over the age of 18 while they waited to see a doctor and asked them to fill in a survey on an iPad.

​The most common behaviours reported were flashing or public masturbating (26 per cent), being fondled or grabbed (20 per cent) or agreeing to unwanted sex due to pressure, threats or coercion ​ (23 per cent). Nearly 10 per cent had had their reproductive choices interfered with by a partner.

She hopes the data, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health,will help inform doctors, who may have patients presenting with unexplained anxiety or depression, that sexual violence may be a contributing factor.

A troubling thread in the women’s experiences was the perceived ‘grey areas’ where they were being coerced into sexual acts, Dr Tarzia said.

“It’s important that we have a conversation about these behaviours and try to raise awareness about how common they are and that it’s not OK.”

FOR HELP:

Centres Against Sexual Assault: 1800 806 292, www.casa.org.au

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292, http://www.sacl.com.au/

National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732, www.1800respect.org.au

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