[Sexual aggression against girls and adult women--causes and consequences]

The causes of sexual aggression are multiple. Bioevolutionary rooted behavioral dispositions (sexual aggressiveness of men as a reproductive strategy) are enforced by specific male dominated structures of society and socially determined stereotypes of female roles which deter women from self determination of their sexuality; these macrosocial factors combine with individual conditions of socialization, in which violence plays an important role. With respect to the consequences of sexual aggression primary victimization (the trauma itself with physical and psychological harm) can be distinguished from secondary victimization (devaluation and mistrust in the social environment). The degree of negative health outcomes depends on risk factors like previous abuse, severity of the violent act, and lack of social support. Prevention must aim at changes of societal conditions that enhance sexual aggression and the establishment of programs for men and women at risk in which techniques of control of sexual aggression, attenuation and inhibition can be learnt.