The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Sexual Harassment in Nightlife Settings and Its Consequences

People who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more vulnerable to sexual harassment victimization, especially in nightlife settings where the inherent dynamics heighten the risks. However, research linking ACEs to sexual harassment consequences in nightlife settings is limited. It is hypothesized that participants with higher ACE scores would be more likely to report nightlife sexual harassment, and those with four or more ACEs would report more consequences compared to those with fewer ACEs. A paid panel sample of participants (n = 460) completed a survey regarding their ACEs and experiences of sexual harassment in nightlife settings. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between ACEs and harassment, while controlling for age and gender. Further, participants (n = 213) were surveyed regarding consequences experienced following sexual harassment. The findings revealed a significant association between higher ACE scores and increased likelihood of experiencing sexual harassment in nightlife settings (OR = 2.42). Younger people (OR = .95), frequent nightlife attendees (OR = 10.3) and women (OR = 3.44) were more likely to experience sexual harassment. People with four or more ACEs were significantly more likely to report greater consequences following verbal (χ2 = 7.4, p = .007) but not physical (χ2 = 1.31, p = .25) sexual harassment. This study highlights the impact of ACEs on people’s subsequent experience of harm and its consequences in nightlife settings. This emphasizes the need for systematic, community wide ACE detection via routine enquiry, increased client and public education on trauma, and trauma-informed interventions to reduce long-term impacts.