Advancing Theory, Methods, and Dissemination in Sexual Violence Research to Build a More Equitable Future: An Intersectional, Community-Engaged Approach

Abstract

Sexual violence is a devastating trauma with long-lasting effects on survivors’ health and well-being. Despite the substantial impacts of the last 25 years of research, the prevalence of sexual violence has remained stable. It will be necessary to reconceptualize our work, challenging our theories, methods, and strategies for dissemination and implementation moving forward. We outline an intersectional, community-engaged approach for sexual violence research to center the stories of survivors who face systemic oppression and inequity. Finally, we suggest applications of this approach for justice, healing, and prevention to inform our collective work to end sexual violence.

Community Approaches to Sexual Assault: VAWA’s Role and Survivors’ Experiences

“…In 2019, Zweig argued that ideas on how best to conduct research on violence against women has evolved over her time researching these topics—which is nearly as long as VAWA has been in place. Many of these insights are supported and echoed by works from other researchers in the field as they reflect on VAWA research from the past 25 years such as McCauley et al (2019). In addition to arguing for the need to incorporate intersectionality theory into our work, these authors, like Zweig (2019), propose embracing different research methods and dissemination strategies going forward: Specifically, by (a) authentically engaging practitioners and survivors in research, and (b) reporting back findings in meaningful and accessible ways, detailed below.…”

“…Although some research with this emphasis exists, we need greater reflections on how community-based activities help or harm survivors. Reflecting on what we’ve learned in the past 25 years of VAWA research on sexual violence, McCauley and colleagues (2019) documented that we know victims find it hard to disclose their sexual assault and to seek help. We also know that (a) the help they turn to often re-victimizes them, and (b) the trauma from sexual assault has long-standing and health-compromising consequences for survivor well-being.…”

“…Second, the literature does not reflect the experiences of the full range of survivors. McCauley and colleagues (2019) argue that the sexual assault research field must move beyond historical conceptions of victimization experiences that only focused on single facets of individual identity—such as race or gender—instead of both, or multiple identities at once. These intersections around identity matter when it comes to personal vulnerability to and experience with sexual violence.…”

“…These intersections around identity matter when it comes to personal vulnerability to and experience with sexual violence. Our current body of knowledge is largely based on experiences relevant to “majority” groups—primarily white, cisgender women—without a focus on marginalized identities (McCauley et al, 2019). The authors further posit that the field must embrace intersectionality theory in our work moving forward and examine experiences shaped by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ability, and other identity issues.…”

Ensuring the psychedelic renaissance and radical healing reach the Black community: Commentary on Culture and Psychedelic Psychotherapy

“…These recent events are layered on top of a legacy of cultural and historical trauma (Alexander, Eyerman, Giesen, Smelser, & Sztompka et al, 2004;Barlow, 2018;Yu, 2016), financial strain, and unacceptably high rates of trauma among Black people. Specifically, Black women experience high rates of forced and coerced sex across all ages (McCauley, Campbell, Buchanan, & Moylan, 2019), an increased risk of being targets of violence in their homes, disproportionate rates of sexual and racial harassment at work (Buchanan, Bergman, Bruce, Woods, & Lichty, 2009), and inequities in healthcare that increase their risk of death from any range of conditions from childbirth to cancer, to cardiovascular disease (Baker, Buchanan, Small, Hines, & Whitfield, 2011;Baker, Buchanan, Mingo, Roker, & Brown, 2015;Baker, Buchanan, & Spencer, 2010;Belgrave & Abrams, 2016). Current levels of racial trauma (Williams & Leins, 2016) among Black men, women, and children are incredibly high as is the need for collective healing.…”