Forcible, drug-facilitated, and incapacitated rape in relation to substance use problems: results from a national sample of college women

Addict Behav. 2009 May;34(5):458-62. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.12.004. Epub 2008 Dec 24.

Abstract

This is the first study to examine the relation between rape and substance use problems in college women as a function of three legally recognized forms of rape: forcible, incapacitated, and substance-facilitated rape. Data were collected via structured telephone interview with a large national sample of college women aged 18-34 years (n=1980). Lifetime prevalence of any type of rape was 11.3% in the sample. Prevalence estimates for binge drinking and substance abuse were 15.8% and 19.8%, respectively. Lifetime experience of incapacitated rape and drug-alcohol facilitated rape, but not forcible rape, were associated with increased odds of past-year binge drinking and substance abuse. Findings have implications for secondary prevention and call for continued differentiation in assessment of rape type.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Ethanol / poisoning
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Rape / psychology*
  • Rape / statistics & numerical data
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance-Related Disorders / ethnology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Ethanol