Male Survivor Perceptions of Seeking Support: Hermeneutic Analysis of a Cluster Case Study

Abstract

Studies with male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) are limited in focus and only one study, to date, has explored survivor perceptions of sexual assault treatment services. The current study, sought to deepen the understanding of survivor experience by identifying the triggers and barriers for seeking support as well as how survivors overcome these barriers. A cluster case study design was used with three adult males. A hermeneutic analysis was utilized to identify and explore meanings from male survivor perspectives. The study found male survivors dealt with barriers to support, through a range of strategies, including adopting helping others, rather than seeking sexual assault treatment services. Hermeneutic analysis was identified as an empowering process that enabled male survivors express their experiences. Large scale studies are needed to explore the potential wide range of male survivor experience.

A systematic review that evaluates the extent and quality of involving childhood abuse survivors in shaping, conducting and disseminating research in the UK

“…Of the 15 studies, 6 received suboptimal scores as survivors adopted the role of consultants on isolated areas of the research and were minimally aligned with the principles of the Survivors Charter (Perôt et al, 2018). Where information was provided, studies sought consultation on ethical guidelines and protocols to improve safety (Allnock and Miller, 2013), on data collection methods to ensure relevance and acceptability (Smith et al, 2015;Bond et al, 2018), or on analysis to improve the quality and credibility (Byrne et al, 2017;Lumbasi and Barron, 2016). Engagement with survivor advisory groups at multiple stages of the research process was less frequently observed but demonstrated a more genuine form of collaboration in two instances (IICSA, 2017;Seddon et al, 2012).…”

“…Studies that provided participating survivors with opportunities to have an active role in research activities were found to demonstrate greater alignment with some of the Survivors Charter principles. The use of flexible and survivor-led narrative approaches to data collection was found to be empowering and liberating, and amplified the voices of participating survivors (Matthew and Barron, 2015; IICSA, 2017; Seddon et al, 2012;Lumbasi and Barron, 2016;One in Four, 2015, 2019Etherington, 2005Etherington, , 2009. Additionally, data collection through survivor-led writings was found to demonstrate non-restrictive and creative forms of engagement (IICSA, 2017;One in Four, 2015, 2019Etherington, 2005).…”

“…Additionally, data collection through survivor-led writings was found to demonstrate non-restrictive and creative forms of engagement (IICSA, 2017;One in Four, 2015, 2019Etherington, 2005). Soliciting input and engaging in dialogue at the analysis stage provided a space for survivors to contribute their expertise to the research (Matthew and Barron, 2015;Lumbasi and Barron, 2016). However, scoring was lowered if engagement with participating survivors was reported at isolated stages of data collection and analysis.…”

“…When survivors were not involved in the planning process, researchers made decisions to ensure survivors had a high degree of control over their voices as participants (Byrne et al, 2017;Lumbasi and Barron, 2016;One in Four, 2015, 2019. While survivor inputs did not actively guide these decisions, they did demonstrate how planning can lead to benefits of high-quality engagement at later stages.…”

“…Of the 15 studies, 4 received high scores due to being conducted entirely or in part by survivor-researchers; however, 2 of these studies were authored by the same researcher (Etherington, 2005(Etherington, , 2009. The remaining studies received suboptimal scoring, with some additional recognition given if researchers were traumainformed (IICSA, 2017;Bond et al, 2018;Byrne et al, 2017;Lumbasi and Barron, 2016;Moore et al, 2017), and if training was given to survivors (One in Four, 2015, 2019.…”