Exploring the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Victimization in High School Students

Abstract

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have lasting mental, sexual, and physical health effects, including increased risk of psychological disorders, chronic conditions, and risky sexual behavior. Yet, few studies examine their link to sexual victimization in adolescents, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth. This study addresses these gaps to inform targeted, trauma-informed prevention strategies. Methods: Using national CDC YRBS data, participants included 10,553 high school students who provided information on both ACEs and sexual victimization. The independent variable included ACEs questions, while the dependent variable included sexual victimization questions. Weighted analysis using SAS version 9.4 included descriptive statistics, Chi squares, and simple and multivariable log-binomial regression. Results: Half (50.3%) of all participants reported at least one ACE. ACEs were significantly associated with sexual victimization among teens, with transgender students experiencing the highest prevalence of both ACEs and sexual victimization, compared to their cisgender peers. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions and comprehensive sex education on consent, boundaries, and sexual victimization, with particular focus on LGBTQIA+ students who face elevated risk of ACEs and sexual victimization. Conclusions: Teens who have experienced ACEs are significantly more likely to report sexual victimization than peers without such experiences. LGBTQIA+ youth reported disproportionately higher rates of both ACEs and sexual victimization.