Risk of sexual revictimization: A theoretical model

Survivors of child sexual abuse suffer serious short- and long-term psychological consequences. Sexual revictimization as an adult is one of the consequences that has been reported. At present, there is no theoretical model identifying the risk factors that result in child sexual abuse survivors being at greater risk of experiencing an adult sexual assault. The proposed model is designed to integrate existing research, stimulate further empirical work, and eventually aid in the development of a program to prevent revictimization. The variables hypothesized to play a mediating role in the pathway to revictimization include: severe psychological symptoms as a consequence of the child sexual abuse, poor coping styles, an insecure attachment style, hyperfemininity, delinquent behavior, drug use, and high risk sexual behavior.