Victimization of Women by Selected Demographic Characteristics

Of the 706 respondents to the survey cited above, 21% had experienced sexual harassment, 16% had experienced spousal abuse or wife beating, and 8% had experienced rape. The survey found significant demographic differences in the rate of violence experienced by income and age. Low income women were twice as likely to be raped and battered than higher income women. Women in the youngest two age groups were also more likely to be raped, battered, or sexually harassed.

Victimization of Women by Selected Demographic Characteristics

              Sexual
          Harassment           Rape   Spouse Abuse


Overall          21%             8%            16%
Age
  18-30          25%             7%            16%
  31-41          30%            13%            20%
  42-64          13%             5%            14%
  65+             7%             0%             7%
Race
  White          21%             7%            15%
  Black          22%            13%            19%
Married
  Yes            21%             6%            11%
  No             20%            11%            24%
Family Income
  <=$20,000      20%            12%            26%
  >$20,000       24%             6%            12%

Source: 1988 Needs Assessment and Survey of Columbus Area Women, Susan L. Josephs, Mary Margaret Fonow and Virginia A. Wemmerus. The survey was sponsored by the Columbus Women's Round Table and The Columbus Foundation.

Filename: PS-004

Return to the PIE Home Page