The aim of this study was to describe contextual events, abuse experiences, and disclosure
processes of adolescents who presented to a hospital-based Child Advocacy Center for
medical evaluation and evidentiary collection as indicated after experiencing multiple perpetrator
rape during a single event(n = 32) and to compare these findings to a group of single
perpetrator sexual assaults (n = 534). This study used a retrospective mixed-methods design
with in-depth, forensic interviews and complete physical examinations of gang-raped adolescents.
Patients ranged from 12 to 17 years (M = 14 years). Girls who experienced multiple
perpetrator rape during a single event were more likely to have run away, to have drunk
alcohol in the past month, and to have participated in binge drinking in the past 2 weeks.
Acute presentation of these victims were rare but 30% had hymenal transections and 38%
had sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Forensic interviews revealed alcohol was a common
weapon used by offenders, and its use resulted in victims experiencing difficulty in
remembering and reporting details for police investigation or physical and mental health
care. Most victims were raped at parties they attended with people they thought they could
trust, and they felt let down by witnesses who could have helped but did not intervene.
Although relatively rare, multiple perpetrator rape during a single event is a type of severe
sexual assault experience and has significant risks for deleterious health outcomes. These
victims require health care by trained providers to diagnose physical findings, treat STIs,
screen for trauma, and support victims.