Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Treatment Engagement among Female Sexual Assault Victims

Few female sexual assault victims receive mental health treatment following victimization. This is particularly true for ethnic minority women. This descriptive study examined ethnic differences in treatment need and treatment engagement in a diverse sample of 104 women (White, Black, Latina, and other) offered no-cost mental health services following a sexual assault. Despite equivalent or higher need for services, Black women were less likely (odds ratio = 0.17) than White women to engage in treatment in the year following assault. Results suggest that Black–White differences in help-seeking after sexual assault are not explained solely by differences in access. Further exploration of additional barriers to mental health care for Black women after sexual assault is needed.