The streets were dark with something more than night: Predicting risky sexual behaviors and victimization among young females seeking detoxification

• In Event: Gender-Based Violence and Victimization in Diverse Contexts

Abstract

Adolescence signifies a period marked by impulsive and often detrimental behaviors, including delinquency, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors (RSB), typically perceived as transient. However, these behaviors can yield enduring repercussions. Despite an escalating prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) among young women, treatment seeking is notably lower compared to men, with gender-specific issues remaining understudied in SUD research.
The current study investigates sexual trauma and RSB among female adolescents and emerging adults undergoing SUD treatment. Through standardized interviews and self-reports, we assessed clinical profiles and sexual experiences in a random sample (~1:2, 45%, n=194) drawn from all admissions to the single national acute detoxification unit for young females (aged 14-34) over five years.
Our findings reveal a staggering 89% prevalence of sexual assault within the sample. We identified predicting factors (e.g. age of first SUD diagnosis, global mental health, social support, relationships with parents) associated with various RSB, such as unprotected intercourse and transactional sex. Notably, addiction severity, peer drug use and living on the streets emerged as significant predictors of multiple SRB, posing substantial risks to both individual patients and public health.
These insights elucidate the complex interplay between SUD, victimization and re-victimization, providing a foundation for the development of innovative treatment strategies tailored to address the multifaceted challenges encountered by young women.

Authors

• Maayan Nagar, Ariel University

• Sara Kalimi, School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Haifa, Haifa, and Retorno Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Beit Shemesh, IsraelIsrael

• Sharon Rabinovitz, School of Criminology, Faculty of Law and The Unit for Excellence in Research & Study of Addiction (ERSA), and The Center for the Study of Crime, Law, and Society, University of Haifa, Israel