How repeated rape fuels problem substance use in female victims
Every day, millions of women carry the invisible scars of sexual violence. A recent UNICEF report estimates that over 370 million girls and women worldwide have experienced rape or sexual assault as children.
Many carry this trauma into adulthood. For some, the pain leads to substance abuse. The crisis deepens when women face multiple rapes.
Repeated victimization often escalates the risk of problem substance use, creating a devastating cycle.
A Widespread Problem
Sexual assault is alarmingly common. In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 women—18.3%—have been raped at some point in their lives, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 6% of women aged 15–49 have faced sexual assault by someone other than a partner.
Nearly 30% of women in relationships worldwide have endured physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Young women are especially vulnerable. Females aged 16–19 are four times more likely than the general population to experience rape or sexual assault, per RAINN.
College students aged 18–24 face a tripled risk compared to other women, while non-students in the same age group are four times more likely to be victimized.
The Risk of Revictimization
The trauma of sexual assault doesn’t always end with one incident. Research shows that women who experience rape are at a higher risk of being victimized again.
A CDC study found that 35% of women raped before age 18 also face rape as adults.
In contrast, only 10% of women without a history of child sexual abuse experience rape in adulthood.
This revictimization compounds the psychological toll, increasing the likelihood of long-term consequences.
A SpringerLink review of 21 studies involving 20,071 women confirms that experiencing sexual assault significantly increases the risk of repeated assaults.
This cycle of violence creates a unique vulnerability, particularly for women with a history of trauma.
Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
The aftermath of sexual assault is often overwhelming. Survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain.
Research consistently links sexual violence to substance use disorders.
A study in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation found that 13%–49% of women meet criteria for alcohol dependence after sexual assault.
Additionally, 28%–61% report using illegal substances post-assault.
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 studies with more than 230,000 participants found that sexual assault is associated with an increased risk of substance abuse.
The NSVRC notes that health care costs are 16% higher for women sexually abused as children and 36% higher for those abused both physically and sexually, partly due to substance-related issues.
The Impact of Multiple Rapes
Multiple instances of rape amplify the risk of substance use problems. A study in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence examined alcohol and drug-involved sexual violence.
It found that 26.2% of female victims of physically forced rape reported using alcohol or drugs during at least one assault.
For alcohol/drug-facilitated rapes, 29.7% reported involuntary substance use, while 84% reported voluntary use.
Alarmingly, 66.5% of victims noted that perpetrators were under the influence during the assault.
The SpringerLink review further highlights this connection. About 30% of the studies it analyzed reported increased alcohol use among women post-assault, particularly in cases involving alcohol-involved assaults.
Drinking to cope was both a predictor and a consequence of such assaults. Women who experienced severe assaults reported 73% more drinks per week and 63% more alcohol-related consequences compared to others.
| Study | Key Finding |
|---|---|
| CDC | 35% of women raped as children face rape again as adults |
| Journal of Trauma & Dissociation | 13%–49% of women develop alcohol dependence post-assault |
| Journal of Interpersonal Violence | 29.7% of victims report involuntary substance use in alcohol/drug-facilitated rapes |
| SpringerLink Review | 30% of studies link sexual assault to increased alcohol use |
A Vicious Cycle
Substance use and sexual violence often form a vicious cycle. Women who use substances are more vulnerable to assault.
A study found that alcohol use is prospectively associated with sexual violence victimization.
Patterns of drug and alcohol use are also linked to lifetime sexual revictimization and PTSD.
This cycle is particularly dangerous. Substance use can impair judgment and reduce the ability to resist or avoid dangerous situations.
Perpetrators may exploit this vulnerability, as evidenced by the high percentage of assailants using substances during assaults.
The Journal of Interpersonal Violence notes that 80.6% of intimate partner perpetrators and 88.3% of acquaintance perpetrators in alcohol/drug-facilitated rapes were under the influence.
Broader Impacts
The consequences of repeated rape and substance use extend beyond the individual.
Survivors face higher risks of chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, according to a PMC study.
Mental health issues, including PTSD and depression, are also prevalent.
RAINN reports that one-third of women who are raped contemplate suicide, and 13% attempt it.
The societal cost is immense. Rape costs the U.S. more than any other crime—$127 billion annually—due to medical, legal, and social service expenses.
Substance abuse treatment adds to this burden, highlighting the need for prevention and intervention.
Breaking the Cycle
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Survivors need trauma-informed care that integrates mental health support with substance abuse treatment.
Organizations like RAINN and the NSVRC advocate for comprehensive services, including counseling, medical care, and addiction recovery programs.
Prevention is equally critical. Education on healthy relationships and responsible substance use can reduce risk factors.
Rape prevention programs should target potential perpetrators, emphasizing the role of substance use in sexual violence.
These programs must clearly state that substance use does not excuse assault and that victims are never to blame.
Community-level efforts are also essential. Reducing stigma around sexual violence and substance abuse encourages survivors to seek help.
Policies that improve access to mental health and addiction services can make a significant difference.
A Call to Action
The link between repeated rape and substance abuse is a hidden crisis that demands urgent attention.
Millions of women worldwide bear the weight of sexual violence. For those facing multiple assaults, the risk of substance use disorders is alarmingly high.
This cycle of trauma and addiction is not inevitable, but breaking it requires action.
By raising awareness, we can foster empathy and understanding. By investing in support systems, we can help survivors heal.
By addressing the root causes of sexual violence and substance abuse, we can prevent future harm.
The time to act is now—to support survivors, challenge societal norms, and build a safer future for all.
