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Sexual Victimization Among Sexual and Gender Minoritized Groups: Recent Research and Future Directions

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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Sexual victimization is a significant public health concern. Compared to heterosexual and cisgender peers, sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) individuals are at elevated risk for sexual victimization. Prominent theories suggest that this risk is due in part to the stigma SGM individuals face when navigating heteronormative cultures. The goal of this article is to review the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of sexual victimization in SGM individuals.

Recent Findings

Studies continue to show that SGM individuals—bisexual and/or gender minoritized in particular—are at higher risk for sexual victimization. Little work has focused on risk factors, though recent research continues to highlight post-victimization disparities among SGM individuals. Emerging studies also point to theoretically informed factors that may influence victimization risk and recovery, including sexual and gender-related stigma.

Summary

To inform prevention and intervention efforts, future research would benefit from streamlining assessment, methodology, and dissemination practices.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

Manuscript preparation was supported by grants from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: K99AA028777 (PI: Blayney), K08AA028546 (PI: Jaffe), and R01AA025995 (PI: Parrott).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Jessica A. Blayney

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA

    Anna E. Jaffe

  3. School of Nursing, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Amy L. Hequembourg

  4. Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Dominic J. Parrott

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  1. Jessica A. Blayney
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  2. Anna E. Jaffe
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  3. Amy L. Hequembourg
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  4. Dominic J. Parrott
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Correspondence to Jessica A. Blayney.

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Blayney, J.A., Jaffe, A.E., Hequembourg, A.L. et al. Sexual Victimization Among Sexual and Gender Minoritized Groups: Recent Research and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 25, 183–191 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01420-0

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