CULTURAL RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AMONG HISPANIC AND NON-HISPANIC WHITE WOMEN

Daisy Ramos, University of New Mexico
Elizabeth A. Yeater, University of New Mexico

Abstract

There is a paucity of research on sexual assault among Hispanic college women. Existing studies indicate that Hispanic college women report similar mental health sequelae as non-Hispanic White women following a sexual assault; thus, factors that protect or increase their risk is an area worthy of further investigation. Latino cultural values, such as familism, may serve as a protective factor for sexual assault among Hispanic college women, while acculturation with mainstream culture may function as a risk factor. This study examined whether ethnicity moderated the effects of cultural protective and risk factors on sexual assault experiences among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White college women. Participants included 210 college women who completed self-report questionnaires on cultural factors, substance use, and sexual assault history since the age of 14. Ethnicity was associated significantly with more severe sexual assault, with Hispanic women, relative to non-Hispanic White women reporting less severe victimization experiences. These findings suggest that non-Hispanic White college women, relative to Hispanic college women, may be at greater risk for more severe sexual assault.