Relationship between alcohol consumption and victim behaviors immediately preceding sexual aggression by an acquaintance.

A survey of 942 female college students (85% return rate) from four New England colleges and universities indicated that 25% had been victims of sexual aggression by an acquaintance since the age of 16. Fifty-five percent of the victims indicated they were at least somewhat drunk at the time of the sexual aggression. Those who felt they were at least somewhat drunk reported engaging in higher levels of consensual sexual activity with the aggressor immediately prior to the assault and reported lower levels of resistance than those who were not at all drunk. The implications these results may have for increased vulnerability to sexual aggression are discussed.