This study compared sexual assault of older and younger women by reviewing medical records of those treated at a sexual assault care center in Ontario, Canada. The authors divided women into three groups by age: young (15-30 years; n=78), mid-age (31-54 years; n=73), and eldest (55-87; n=61). Elder women were more likely to be cognitively disabled than women in the younger groups. Older women were more socially isolated: they were more likely to live alone and significantly less likely to be accompanied to the care center by a friend than either of the other groups. More than half (51%) of elders were attacked in their homes, compared with 20% of mid-age women and 19% of young women. There was no significant difference found between the groups in the relationship of the attacker to the victim: about 40% of all assailants were strangers, and acquaintances were responsible for between 35-48% of attacks. Significant differences were not found in the type(s) of assault, injuries sustained, or need for hospitalization, although there was a trend toward increased vaginal injuries in older women. Weapons were used more frequently on younger women; however, the same levels of physical violence and restraint were used against older and younger women. To develop preventive strategies, the authors recommended that further research be done with women in assisted care facilities (almost 15% of elder victims were living in group settings). They also suggested identifying the actual relationship of acquaintances to their victims, as this may differ by age group.

In this descriptive study, researchers looked at the records of three groups of clients at a Canadian Sexual Assault Care Center: male victims of stranger assault (n=64); male victims of non-stranger assault (n=81); and female victims of non-stranger assault (n=106). Male survivors from both groups were more likely to be living in shelters, institutions (such as transitional housing) or on the street. They were also significantly more likely to have a physical disability than female victims of non-stranger assault. While acquaintance assaults of men and women usually took place in the assailant’s home (44.3% vs. 43.4%), male acquaintance assaults were significantly more likely to take place in an institution (10.1% vs 0%). Stranger assaults of men were more likely to take place outside, involve multiple perpetrators, and involve use of a weapon, although injuries were similar among the groups. All received similar levels of care at the hospital, although men were admitted more often than women. The findings suggested that men who were homeless and disabled were at higher risk for sexual assault by strangers, and that safer housing options were needed.