A coping theory framework toward preventing sexual revictimization

A substantial body of research demonstrates the problem of repeated sexual victimization. However, what is less clear is what can be done to prevent revictimization. The most pressing needs in the development of revictimization knowledge are for prevention theories and interventions to address this problem. Building on theoretical and empirical research, this paper helps to address this critical knowledge gap by presenting a coping theoretical framework toward revictimization prevention. This framework, which is composed of three related coping theories, adaptive, proactive, and resistive-defensive, can be used to form the basis of interventions to prevent revictimization. In combination, the three coping theories provide a framework to organize and sequence women's coping efforts in the aftermath of sexual victimization in order to mitigate the negative aspects of the assault and reduce the likelihood of revictimization. The framework described here provides an organizing heuristic that will help guide coping-based revictimization prevention efforts.