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Scholarly Works (5 results)

  • Thesis
  • Peer Reviewed
UCLA Electronic Theses and Dissertations (2014)

This dissertation begins with an overview of the Transactional Model and the Experiential Avoidance model and empirical research that is useful in understanding the factors associated with sexual violence and subsequent risk behaviors. Three independent papers using data from the National Survey of Family Growth 2006-2010 are presented.

Paper 1 examines sexual violence among men, perpetrated by women. The purpose of the paper was to understand if there was a difference in condom use, number lifetime partners and substance use between men who experienced forced sex by a woman and those who did not reported forced sex. There was a statistically significant association between forced sex and substance use among men. The results indicate that men who experienced forced sex had, on average, three more sexual partners over their life time compared to men who did not experience forced sex. Additionally, substance use mediated the relationship between forced sex and number of sexual partners among men who reported forced sex.

Paper 2 examines the point in a woman's sexual life when abused occurred (e.g., at first sex, after first sex, or at first sex and another time thereafter) and assessed whether there is a difference in coping behaviors that may place the victim at greater risk for HIV infection. The purpose of this paper was to determine if condom use, number of lifetime partners and substance use differed in women in women based on if they reported forced sex and the point in the woman's sexual life that forced sex occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in condom use. Compared to women who did not report forced sex, women who reported forced sex after first sex and women who reported being re-victimized had on average three more sexual partners than did non-victimized women. There was not a statistically significant difference in number lifetime partners between women who were forced at first sex and women who reported no forced sex history.

Paper 3 examines whether force sex tactic reported was associated with avoidant coping behaviors as manifested in inconsistent condom use, number of sexual partners and substance use. The purpose of this study was to understand if the force sex tactic type and strength impacted condom use, number of lifetime partners and substance use in men and women who reported forced sex. There was a positive trend in stronger force sex tactic reported and number of partners among men and women; although at marginally significant levels. There was also a significant relationship between current substance use and the force sex tactic given drugs or alcohol in both men and women.

    Cover page: Sexual Violence in the United States: A Tale of Gender and Force
    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    UCLA Previously Published Works (2018)
    The current study sought to understand commercially sexually exploited (CSE) youths' health care experiences, barriers to care, and recommendations for improving health care services. We conducted focus groups (N=5) with 18 CSE youth from February 2015 through May 2016 at two group homes serving CSE youth in Southern California. We performed thematic content analysis to identify emergent themes about CSE youths' perspectives on health care. Youth described facilitators to care, including availability of services such as screening for sexually transmitted infections, knowledge about sexual health, and a strong motivation to stay healthy. Barriers included feeling judged, concerns about confidentiality, fear, perceived low quality of services, and self-reliance. Overall, youth emphasized self-reliance and "street smarts" for survival and de-emphasized "victimhood," which shaped their interactions with health care, and recommended that health providers develop increased understanding of CSE youth. Our findings suggest that providers and community agencies can play an essential role in raising awareness of the needs of CSE youth and meet their health needs through creating a non-judgmental environment in health care settings that validates the experiences of these youth.
      Cover page: Commercially sexually exploited youths’ health care experiences, barriers, and recommendations: A qualitative analysis
      • Article
      • Peer Reviewed
      UCLA Previously Published Works (2018)
      The study sought to: (1) describe the mental health and substance use profiles among participants of a specialty trafficking court program (the Succeed Though Achievement and Resilience Court); (2) describe youths' mental health and substance use treatment prior to participating in the program; and (3) examine whether abuse influences report of mental health problems and/or substance use. Retrospective case review of court files was performed on commercially sexually exploited youth who volunteered to participate in the court from 2012 to 2014 (N = 184). All participants were female. Mental health problems and report of substance use was high among this population. Substance use differed at statistically significant levels between youth with a documented abuse history compared to those with no abuse history. Substance use also differed by report of mental health problems. Unexpected findings included the high rate of hospitalization for mental health problems and relatively low substance use treatment prior to STAR Court participation. Opportunities for improvement in critical points of contact to identify commercially sexually exploited youth and address their health needs are discussed.
        Cover page: Exploring Mental Health and Substance use Treatment Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Participating in a Specialty Juvenile Court
        • Article
        • Peer Reviewed
        UCLA Previously Published Works (2016)
        Mental health providers are frequently at the forefront of addressing the multifaceted needs of commercially sexually exploited youth. This article provides an overview of the definition of commercial sexual exploitation of children and relevant legislation including the shift toward decriminalization of commercially sexually exploited youth. To provide clinicians with tools needed to deliver competent care to this population, a review of risk factors for commercial sexual exploitation of children and the role of the clinician in identification, assessment, and treatment of commercially sexually exploited youth are discussed.
          Cover page: Understanding and Responding to the Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Recommendations for the Mental Health Provider
          • Article
          • Peer Reviewed
          UC San Francisco Previously Published Works (2019)
          Arrested girls in the United States (US) are often diverted from detention through referrals to juvenile specialty courts (e.g., juvenile drug court), community-based diversion programs, or pre-adjudicated probation services. Limited research suggests that sexual and reproductive health needs for diverted, or court-involved, non-incarcerated (CINI) girls are similar to that of their detained counterparts. Despite the US justice system's emphasis on diverting youth from detention, research and programmatic efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes has primarily focused on detained girls. Policy and programming for CINI girls is scant and thus warrants further attention. This report details the immediate sexual and reproductive health needs of CINI girls. We discuss implications of current health care policies and practices for this population and conclude with recommendations for research focused on improving access to sexual and reproductive health care.
            Cover page: Justice involvement and girls' sexual health: Directions for policy and practice
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