Victim to Abuser: Mental Health and Behavioral Sequels of Child Sexual Abuse in a Community Survey of Young Adult Males

Respondents in a stratified random sample of 750 males, aged 18-27, were asked to recall unwanted sexual contacts occurring before their 17th birthday. 117 had experienced 1 or more unwanted sexual contacts. Those recalling multiple events of abuse (n=52) were distinguished by characteristics such as higher rates of current or recent depression & suicidal feelings & behaviour. 30.8% of these 52 subjects had made a suicidal gesture in their lifetime while 9.6% had attempted suicide. (52 refs.)