Recent literature indicates a relationship between history of
sexual abuse and subsequent psychological and social dysfunction. Less
thoroughly examined are the possible abuse-related physical
effects. This article examines the prevalence of sexual abuse among
135 chronic pain patients. History of abuse for all patients was
determined during initial interview. Twenty-eight percent reported
child sexual abuse, with history of victimization more significant for
women (39%) than men (7%). The abused and nonabused groups of women
differed on such variables as marital status, occupation, history of
rape and substance abuse, and age of hospitalization. The relationship
between sexual abuse and chronic somatic reactions was discussed.