Cultural Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Sexual Assault Among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women

There is a paucity of research on sexual assault among Hispanic college women. Existing studies indicate that Hispanic college women, relative to non-Hispanic White women, report similar mental health sequelae following a sexual assault; thus, factors that protect or increase their risk are an area worthy of further investigation. Emerging research suggests that Latino cultural values, such as familism, social affiliation, and ethnic identity, may serve as protective factors for sexual assault among Hispanic college women, while acculturation with mainstream culture and perceived discrimination may function as risk factors. A substantial body of research also has found that alcohol and cannabis use increase risk for sexual assault. This study examined whether ethnicity moderated the effects of cultural protective and risk factors on sexual assault experiences among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White college women. Participants included 329 college women who completed self-report questionnaires on cultural factors, alcohol and cannabis use, and sexual assault history since the age of 14. Ethnicity was associated significantly with sexual assault severity, with Hispanic women, relative to non-Hispanic White women, reporting less severe sexual assault experiences. Perceived discrimination was associated positively with sexual assault severity among both Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women, as was greater alcohol and cannabis use. These findings highlight the importance of exploring additional cultural factors that may influence sexual assault risk among non-Hispanic White and Hispanic college women.