Single- Versus Multiple-Incident Rape Victims

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of prior victimization on long-term functioning of rape victims. Subjects were 52 rape victims who had been assaulted from 3 months to 34 years previously. All participants were given a structured interview and a battery of assessment measures. Data were examined by means of MANOVAs and ANOVAs two ways, single-incident versus multiple-incident rape victims and single-incident victims versus victims with other prior major victimization. On the first set of analyses no differences emerged between single- and multiple-incident rape victims. The second set of comparisons resulted in two significant findings. Victims with prior major victimization were more assertive than single-incident victims but had more problems with somatic symptoms. Results are discussed within the context of other relevant studies as well as theory.