History of sexual abuse in female drug addicts

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 6

History of sexual abuse in female drug addicts

PA Auckland More than half the female addicts admitted to the Odyssey House drug rehabilitation centre in Auckland were victims of sexual assault, according to the centre’s programme director, Mr Ray Braithwaite. He said that the women often tried to obliterate the effects of these experiences by turning to drugs. In the last 18 months 55

per cent, or 32, of the female drug addicts admitted to Odyssey House had been sexually abused. Sixteen per cent were incest victims, 18 per cent were rape victims, and another 21 per cent had been sexually abused by people using instruments on them or as a result of getting too drunk or losing control at social functions.

Sexual abuse had very damaging psychological effects, he said.

Women often had difficulties establishing relationships with men after the incidents as they felt dirty. Many ended up using drugs and alcohol to blot out memories.

Of the 170 male drug addicts admitted in the 18 months, 16 per cent had been sexually abused as boys or youths. Seven per cent were incest victims, 4 per cent were rape victims, and 5 per cent were victims of

other sexual abuse. Mr Braithwaite said, “Sexual abuse does have a lot to do with their involvement with drugs. It is a lot lower with males but it does happen.” Other statistics showed that 71 per cent of all Odyssey House residents came from alcoholic parents.

Another 68 per cent had been victims of continued and regular beatings from their parents.