There is a growing body of literature which seeks to better understand the needs of sexual assault victims presenting for specialized treatment. This study explored aspects of immediate and delayed treatment seeking among 1118 women who presented for treatment to a specialized sexual assault care centre within a large urban hospital. Variables related to demographic and assault-specific characteristics were examined for association with immediate (within 12 hours) or delayed (after 12 hours) treatment seeking. Results indicate the severity of the attack prompted women to seek treatment earlier and that women who were assaulted by a known perpetrator were more likely to delay seeking assistance. Findings are conceptualized under the rubric of sociological and feminist frameworks with suggestions for additional research.

The purpose of this study was to examine a broad range of childhood experiences associated with risk for sexual assault victimization in adulthood. Childhood experiences hypothesized to enhance vulnerability for adult sexual victimization, including maltreatment experiences perpetrated by adults and children as well as family composition variables, were examined. A community sample of 277 women attending outpatient clinics at an urban hospital provided retrospective self-report regarding family composition and cohesion, childhood maltreatment experiences perpetrated by adults and peers, and adulthood victimization. Results of logistic regression analysis indicate that early sexual experiences with peers, childhood sexual abuse by adults, father or father figure's absence as a primary caregiver in childhood, perceived level of closeness to father in adolescence, and neglect by mother pose significant risk for subsequent adult victimization

Evidence suggests that schools have, by default, become the primary mental health system for students in Canada. The goal of the present study was to design, implement, and evaluate the Psychology School Mental Health Initiative (PSMHI). The PSMHI is an innovative attempt to increase the capacity of school-based psychology staff to deliver evidence-based mental health intervention to children and adolescents with mental health concerns. The conceptualization, implementation, and initial outcomes of the PSMHI are outlined. Advantages and challenges of delivering cognitivebehavioural intervention in a school setting are discussed. Preliminary data indicated that participation in the initiative increased the capacity of school psychology staff in the provision of mental health service. Furthermore, results revealed that a higher number of students with mental health issues received evidence-based intervention. Finally, recommendations for enhancing effective service delivery and the expanding role of psychology with the school system are highlighted. RésuméL'évidence suggère que les écoles soient devenues, par défaut, le système de santé mentale primaire pour des étudiants au Canada. Le but de la présente étude était de concevoir, mettre en application, et évaluer l'initiative de la santé mentale dans les écoles par personnel en psychologie (PSMHI). Le PSMHI est une tentative innovatrice d'augmenter la capacité du personnel en psychologie scolaire de fournir aux enfants et aux adolescents avec des soucis de santé mentale une intervention en santé mentale reconnue empiriquement pour son efficacité. La conceptualisation, l'exécution, et les résultats initiaux du PSMHI sont décrits. Des avantages et les défis de fournir l'intervention cognitive-comportementale dans un milieu scolaire sont discutés. Les données préliminaires indiquent que la participation à l'initiative a augmenté la capacité du personnel en psychologie scolaire de fournir des interventions en santé mentale. En outre, les résultats indiquent qu'un nombre plus élevé d'étudiants avec des soucis de santé mentale ont reçu une intervention reconnue empiriquement. En conclusion, des recommandations pour augmenter la livraison efficace de service en psychologie et le rôle croissant de la psychologie dans le système scolaire sont accentuées.

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