Does Substance Use Decrease Help-Seeking Willingness After Sexual Assault? Evidence from the HCHR Study

• In Event: The Relationship Between Substance Use and Victimization

Abstract

Previous research shows that sexual assault victimization is associated with a wide range of deleterious health outcomes. The accumulated body of evidence underscores the importance of seeking help and support shortly after victimization. However, the role of mitigating factors – which may co-occur with the risk of victimization – on help-seeking behaviors remains understudied. As a result, much is currently unknown about whether and to what extent substance use conditions the relationship between sexual assault victimization and help-seeking behaviors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study analyzes data from the Harris County Health and Relationship Study (HCHR), which is a sample of 446 domestic violence survivors from Harris County, Texas in 2021. Multivariate regressions are estimated to examine the relationship between sexual assault victimization, forms of substance use, and specific help-seeking behaviors. Implications of the findings for theory, policy, and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Anne Catherine Wingert, Sam Houston State University

• Eric J. Connolly, Sam Houston State University