The Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Later Sexual Victimization Among Female Homeless and Runaway Adolescents

Based on risk amplification and victimization theories, path analysis was used to investigate the effect of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among 361 female homeless and runaway adolescents in four midwestern states. Results indicated that early sexual abuse in the home had a positive direct effect on sexual victimization of adolescents on the streets. Early sexual abuse also increased the likelihood of later sexual victimization indirectly by increasing the amount of time at risk, deviant peer associations, and incidents of survival sex. Young women who leave dysfunctional and disorganized homes often characterized by abuse continue on negative developmental trajectories once they reach the streets. The social context of street life puts these adolescents in close proximity to potential offenders and exposes them to crime and criminals. The combination of a negative developmental trajectory and the high-risk street environment increases these young women’s chances of being sexually victimized. Negative developmental outcomes have been reported for adolescents with a history of sexual abuse. Depression, poor self-esteem, substance abuse, inappropriate sexual behavior, suicidal ideation, running away, and prostitution are just some of the effects that have been noted (Beitchman, Zucker, Hood, da Costa, & Akman, 1991; Browne & Finkelhor, 1986; Silbert & Pines, 1981). Runaways, in particular, tend to suffer from much