Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in the victimization profiles of deaf and hard of hearing youths presenting to substance abuse treatment and compare them with parallel profiles from their hearing peers. Intake data on 111 deaf and hard of hearing youths (42% female) was analyzed and compared with that from a weighted gender matched sample of hearing youths. Results indicate the victimization histories of the deaf and hard of hearing girls were more severe than those of their male peers. Although the same pattern was observed in the hearing group, the strength of the difference was greater for youths with hearing loss. Girls with hearing loss were the most severely victimized of all youths, with 75% reporting any abuse, 60% reporting two to four types of abuse, and 70% experiencing high severity victimization. Both groups of girls reported a significantly greater prevalence of sexual and emotional abuse, abuse by a trusted person, abuse that resulted in sex, and worry about future emotional abuse. Substance abuse treatment for deaf and hard of hearing youths should include routine screening of victimization and trauma-informed methods.
Recommended Citation
Titus, J. C. (2019). Gender Differences in Victimization Among Youths with and Without Hearing Loss Admitted to Substance Abuse Treatment. JADARA, 43(1). Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/jadara/vol43/iss1/4
