Methods: We interviewed a stratified, random sample of 1,200 state residents using a random digit dial telephone survey procedure. We asked adult respondents about previous sexual assaults during three periods (before age 14, between ages 14 and 17 years, and 18 years and older). Respondents answered questions about their relationship to the perpetrator, location of assault, physical violence that accompanied the sexual violence, current physical and mental health status, and use of alcohol and other drugs by themselves and perpetrator

Results: Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that approximately 20% of female and 5% of male respondents (approximately 1.9 million state residents) had been sexually assaulted.  Women were at greater risk for sexual assault, however risk did not differ by race, income, age, or education.  Most female survivors were assaulted by men that they were either related to or knew.  Approximately one quarter of assaults involved other violence.  While most victims did not report being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the most recent assault, victims were more likely to screen positively for a lifetime drug problem than non-victims, and female victims were also more likely to screen positively for an alcohol problem.  Furthermore, when survivors reported the perpetrator was using alcohol or drugs they were more likely to also experience collateral physical violence.  Few victims reported their assaults to police or received medical care.

Implications:  Since many sexual assault survivors never receive services, social workers should consider screening clients for sexual assault, particularly in drug treatment settings. Due to the link between sexual assault and drugs/alcohol use, prevention efforts should target situations that encourage excessive drinking.