Differences in the Characteristics of Sexual Abuse Victimization between Low- and High-Grade Elementary School Children and Correlations among the Characteristics

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study is attempted to figure out the characteristics of sexual abuse victimization in low- and high-grade elementary school children and furthermore to help develop appropriate preventive educational programs against sexual abuse by grade. METHODS: Data were collected from 156 sexual abuse victims who were elementary school children and visited the Child Sexual Abuse Response Center in D City during the period from 2010 to 2012. Differences in general and victimization-related characteristics between low and high graders and the correlations among the characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant difference between low and high graders in two variables offender-victim relationship, and the type of sexual abuse. Offender-victim relationship was in a significant correlation with the duration of victimization (r=.576, p<.001), frequency of abuse (r=.546, p<.001), location (r=-.479, p<.001), and time (r=.435, p<.001). The type of sexual abuse was in a significant correlation with frequency (r=.175, p=.029) and time (r=.261, p=.001). CONCLUSION: Appropriate educational programs should be developed for preventing sexual assaults in consideration of difference in victimization-related characteristics between low and high graders. In addition, such programs should be applied fittingly to the learners'grade, gender, and cognitive level.