- Misconceptions. Women often experience optimism bias, which is
the view that they are different from the “typical victim” and
that they are less likely to encounter sexually aggressive
situations. They also believe that if they do encounter sexually
aggressive situations, they are more equipped to handle such
situations (Gidyez, 2006). Inaccurate beliefs can actually
increase a woman’s vulnerability to sexual assault. - Poor
communication with health care providers.Women who have been
victims of sexual violence, specifically by an intimate partner,
may have poor communication with their health care providers
(Plichta, 2007). This increases underreporting and leads to
inadequate treatment for many victims. Strategies to address
these considerations: - Increase awareness. Interventions should
strive to reduce optimism bias in women. To do so, women’s
beliefs about the “typical victim” must be dispelled (Gidyez,
2006). - Improve screenings. Health care providers should learn
how to use screening tools that wil