Recommendations for Responding to Survivors of Sexual Assault: A Qualitative Study of Survivors and Support Providers

Abstract

Empirical research has repeatedly examined the social reactions survivors receive from informal and formal support providers. This research has also provided an understanding of social reactions survivors perceive as helpful and hurtful. Advocacy agencies provide supplemental information instructing support providers how to respond to survivors in a positive way. However, these sources-to our knowledge-have not specifically asked survivors how they want to be responded to when disclosing assault and what they need in the aftermath of assault. Furthermore, studies have not asked support providers about how to respond to survivors in a positive way. Thus, the information provided to survivors and support providers on positive support may not be "survivor informed." This study examined recommendations for responding to survivors from two methods. First, as a broader approach, open-ended survey responses from N = 1,863 survivors were examined for unprompted recommendations on what survivors need following assault. Second, in a sample of 45 informal support dyads, survivors and support providers were specifically asked to provide recommendations on responding to survivors in a positive way. Results include recommendations from survivors to informal supporters, formal service providers, and other survivors on what is needed in the aftermath of sexual assault. Results also include recommendations on responding to survivors in a positive way from interviewed support providers to other supporters.

Sexual Assault: Women's Voices on the Health Impacts of Not Being Believed by Police

“…Unexpected negative reactions, including blame, judgment, disbelief, and lack of empathy may negatively in uence well-being and recovery (33,34). Negative social reactions to sexual assault disclosures may amplify feelings of powerlessness, grief, loss, and disenfranchisement (7), shame (35,36), increased severity and duration of PTSD (37) and other mental health concerns (38). When the sense of self (e.g., self-worth) is negative, there are often greater risk-taking behaviours as survivors may not feel that they are worthy of protecting or deserving of safety and wellness (37).…”

“…Their voices (e.g., research themes) need to be disseminated to provide a better understanding of women's experiences, which may lead to increased sexual assault reporting and an improved response from law enforcement. Education regarding women's experiences and how to respond positively to survivors is required for community service providers, police, and healthcare professionals who receive sexual assault reports (21,38,48). Sensitivity training for police o cers that is inclusive of women's voices and experiences may also serve to reduce bias, and improve belief of survivors.…”

“…This may be particularly important in smaller communities where there are no sexual assault specialized units. Strategies that survivors feel are helpful include providing time to talk about their experience (e.g., listening), conveying belief, telling them it is not their fault, and promoting agency (38). Minimizing blame, offering support, validating their experience, providing support and follow-up (37) and safety planning are also important for health and well-being (38).…”

“…Strategies that survivors feel are helpful include providing time to talk about their experience (e.g., listening), conveying belief, telling them it is not their fault, and promoting agency (38). Minimizing blame, offering support, validating their experience, providing support and follow-up (37) and safety planning are also important for health and well-being (38). Furthermore, incorporating trauma-informed principles such as establishing safety, respect, choice, collaboration, and empowerment are additional strategies that could help facilitate a positive disclosure experience and minimize the possibility of re-traumatization (49).…”

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

“…Advocacy services also can improve victims’ well-being in other ways besides providing support during criminal justice processes. Krikner and colleagues (2017) found that survivors thought it was important to share their experience with someone but highlighted the importance of doing so with an individual who had specialized training in sexual assault issues, such as an advocate or SANE. In addition, Campbell (2006) examined the ways victim services led to significant improvement in victims’ emotional well-being.…”