[Going Beyond the Known: Pilot Study on Prevalence, Situational Context and Consequences of Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents in Germany]. / Ein Schritt ins Dunkle: Pilotstudie zu Prävalenz, situativem Kontext und Folgen sexualisierter Gewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche in Deutschland.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The current study assesses prevalence rates, circumstances and consequences of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: A random sample from an urban population (18-69 years) was surveyed by postal or online questionnaire. Instruments included WHO-5 well-being index, knowledge on support services for children and adolescents experiencing sexual abuse, incidents and consequences of sexual abuse. RESULTS: 159 persons returned the questionnaire (17.3%). 18.2% experienced sexual abuse. Of these, 34.5% disclosed sexual abuse for the first time. Psychological well-being was significantly lower in sexually abused persons. There was a lack of knowledge regarding support services for sexually abused ones. CONCLUSION: The present design is applicable in the context of a nationwide representative survey on childhood sexual abuse and provides insights into the field of concealed sexual abuse.