The Predictors of Awareness of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence in the Media and the Influence on Actions of the Individuals.

Résumé

The number of reportings on sexual abuse (SA), sexual violence (SV) cases covered in the media has risen a significant amount with most cases involving women and children. The aim of the study is to explore the questions: Are people aware of sexual abuse and sexual violence in the media? What are the predictors of awareness of sexual abuse and sexual violence? Does the awareness of sexual abuse and sexual violence in the media affect the actions of the individuals? A representative survey of the German-speaking resident population (2020) on physical and mental well-being was used. The participants ( = 2,503: females = 50.9%) were between the ages of 14 and 97 ( = 49.81). The German version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, The General Habitual Well-Being Questionnaire and questions about own experiences of , experiences of and different were used. The outcome variables regarding the , different types of scandals (), and the were used. Frequency analyses and binary regressions were conducted. One thousand five hundred and fifty-five (62.6%) respondents answered to being . The results show that and , own experience(s) of , own experience(s) of , and have a significant higher association to the . and have a significant lower association. The variables that most commonly affected the and the individual were , own experiences of and the . Advertising more support centers, hotlines and linking this information to sexual abuse cases covered in the media should be considered. Media bystander interventions could be helpful to train people to react appropriately. Further investigation that considers the different types of media and its influence on the awareness of SA and SV is needed.