Factors related to childhood sexual abuse among gay/bisexual male Internet escorts

J Child Sex Abus. 2005;14(2):1-23. doi: 10.1300/J070v14n02_01.

Abstract

This exploratory investigation examined the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and related psychosocial characteristics and sexual behaviors among 46 gay/bisexual male escorts who advertise via the Internet. More than a quarter of men (28.3%) reported some history of CSA. Men reporting CSA were more likely to be from an ethnic minority group, identify as bisexual, have a primary male partner, and were less likely to identify an anal receptive ("bottom") sexual role preference. Men with a history of CSA were more likely to report unprotected sex with work-related partners, increased internalized homophobia, and decreased adolescent isolation. Interventions designed for male escorts with a history of CSA should emphasize safer sex strategies with work partners and reducing internalized homophobia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / psychology
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Internet* / statistics & numerical data
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex