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Jocelyn A. Lehrer, ScD, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California - San Francisco, 4601 25th St. #7, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-217-9875, jlehrer1@gmail.com, Vivian Lehrer, JD, Family Violence Project, Urban Justice Center, 435 W. 19th St., New York, NY 10027, Evelyn Lehrer, PhD, Department of Economics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MC 144, 601 South Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607, and Pamela Oyarzun, MD, School of Public Health, University of Chile, 2838 Carmen Sylva, Santiago, Chile.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Coercion in Female College Students at a Chilean Public University

Background To date, no quantitative studies have examined prevalence or correlates of sexual violence among college students in Chile. To address this gap, a quantitative survey on this topic was administered to students at a large public university.

Methods Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students attending all General Education classes offered in the 2005 Winter semester. The present analysis focused on the female sample (n=445). Ordered logit models were used to examine correlates of sexual coercion since age 14.

Results The estimates show that 9.4%, 6.2%, and 15.6% of respondents, respectively, reported rape, attempted rape, and other unwanted contact as the most severe form of coercion experienced since age 14. Incidents mainly occurred at the home of the victim or perpetrator (38%) or at house parties (30.6%). Substance use by the victim and/or perpetrator was reported in 57.6% of cases. Two percent of rapes were reported to police. In adjusted models, correlates of sexual coercion were low parental education (AOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.03-2.53) and childhood sexual abuse (AOR 5.28; 95% CI 3.20-8.72). Independent variables that attained marginal significance (P=0.10) included witnessing parental violence, low religiosity, and rape myth beliefs.

Discussion The findings of this study indicate that female sexual coercion in the college population in Chile may be an issue warranting public health attention. Chilean universities should further investigate the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence experienced by students on their campuses, and develop and evaluate theory-based programs as needed to prevent and respond to this form of violence.

Learning Objectives:

• After reading this poster, the reader will understand that sexual violence may be an issue of public health concern on Chilean college campuses, and that further quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to examine and address this issue on a national level.

Keywords: Sexual Assault, International

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered