Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health.

This study contrasted the effects of intimate partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health among a sample (N=835) of low-income, ethnically diverse community women. Compared to sexual assault by a previous partner or by a non-intimate partner, sexual assault by a current partner was the strongest predictor of PTSD, stress, and dissociation. Non-intimate partner sexual assault was only a significant predictor of PTSD and only for African American women. These findings suggest that the victim-offender relationship is important when considering the impact of sexual assault. Specifically, sexual assault perpetrated by an intimate partner may be especially traumatic.