CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND ADULT SEXUAL REVICTIMIZATION

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multiple categories of perpetrators limits our understanding of specific risk
factors for revictimization.
As the study of sexual victimization is a relatively new endeavor, the
study of revictimization is in its infancy. The investigation into the phenom,
enon of sexual revictimization has thus far been pursued without theoretical
guidance and has often been conducted in an unsystematic manner. What is
known is that a woman who is sexually victimized during childhood has an
increased vulnerability to experience another sexual victimization in the fu,
ture. What is not understood is the manner in which a victimization history
creates this vulnerability. Nor is it known how to effectively intervene with
rape victims in a way that will reduce their vulnerability for experiencing a
subsequent sexual victimization. Therefore, the studyof this devastating phe,
nomenon affords researchers a unique and intriguing challenge. This chal,
lenge includes, first, the development of statistically sound measures, inno,
vative research methods, and testable theoretical models. Second, it will be
necessary to identify mediating variables, especially contextual variables re,
lated to assault, the effects of subsequent trauma symptoms, and the avail,
ability of personal and financial resources after an assault experience. And
finally, the field requires the systematic development and evaluation of ef,
fective CSA and ASA prevention programs that explicitly addressprior victimization
experiences and the factors that render women and children vul,
nerable to future victimization.
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66 RICH ET AL.