Speaking out, ‘speaking in’ and safety work in the digital sphere: understanding online disclosures in the aftermath of sexual violence

Abstract

This article examines why victim-survivors of sexual violence disclose their experiences online. Drawing on findings from qualitative interviews conducted with victim-survivors, the discussion expands upon scholarly framings of ‘speaking out’ in digital spaces. The proliferation of the #MeToo movement has led to significant interest in digital activism surrounding sexual and gender-based violence, and disclosures are often articulated within feminist scholarship as constituting a political act. Findings reveal that victim-survivors understand their own digital practices with nuance and complexity, and their disclosures address a range of needs that are often apolitical. Participants primarily saw their disclosures as a way to connect with peers, to provide and receive support, and to share their stories ‘safely’. These motivations influence how and where victim-survivors disclose online, and complicate scholarly notions of digital activism as a response to sexual violence. The discussion presents important implications for how digital space and disclosure practices are understood, highlighting the significance of considering the diverse needs that victim-survivors have when speaking about their experiences online.<br/><br/>Key messages<br/>There are myriad digital practices in which victim-survivors engage when disclosing online, some of these are public-facing (‘speaking out’), but many survivors disclose in private, secret digital contexts.<br/><br/>Victim-survivors do not always view their online disclosures as political, and disclosures fulfil a range of needs, including therapeutic and justice needs.<br/><br/>If ‘speaking out’ online refers to the digital modes of anti-rape activism, then by contrast, ‘speaking in’ encompasses the ways that victim-survivors disclose in online communities of peers.

The Process of Online Disclosures of Interpersonal Victimization: A Systematic Review

“…However, this interpersonal approach motivation was also related to supporting other survivors also struggling with their recovery journeys, by providing encouragement and validation and sharing stories of personal achievement and recovery to instill a sense of hope for recovery ( Barta, 2021 ; Dey & Mendes, 2022 ; Fawcett & Shrestha, 2016 ; Fileborn, 2017 ; Loney-Howes, 2018 ; Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; O’Neill, 2022 ; Watanabe et al, 2022 ). As one survivor stated: “I try to use social media as like, ‘I’m here if you need to talk.…”

“…Accordingly, survivors shared in their disclosures the methods they employed to facilitate recovery, such as using religious and spiritual coping, practicing self-compassion, and accessing beneficial resources ( Barta, 2021 ; Fawcett & Shrestha, 2016 ). Specifically, these disclosures were characterized by survivors’ use of “everyday” hashtags that amplified the visibility and publicity of the disclosure ( Barta, 2021 ; O’Neill, 2022 ). Furthermore, survivors were motivated to engage in online disclosure as they put a value on the political power of collective action to counter isolation and othering feelings associated with the victimization, which resulted in the creation of a community ( Fawcett & Shrestha, 2016 ; Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ; Lusky-Weisrose et al, 2021 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; Yalcinoz-Ucan & Eslen-Ziya, 2023 ).…”

“…The approach motivation at the societal level was identified across the reviewed articles, particularly in studies focused on open public platforms where disclosures are non-anonymous. Accordingly, survivors recognized the political power of the online arena to change social structures in favor of gender equity and legally mandated systems to be more effective in addressing interpersonal victimization ( Gueta et al, 2020 ; Fileborn, 2017 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; O’Neill, 2022 ; Siuta et al, 2023 ). Specifically, survivors sought to challenge social narratives such as hegemonic rape scripts, victim-blaming, and complicated assumptions about consent ( Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ; Loney-Howes, 2018 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; Yalcinoz-Ucan & Eslen-Ziya, 2023 ).…”

“…Specifically, survivors sought to challenge social narratives such as hegemonic rape scripts, victim-blaming, and complicated assumptions about consent ( Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ; Loney-Howes, 2018 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; Yalcinoz-Ucan & Eslen-Ziya, 2023 ). Another societal proactive goal identified was raising awareness and breaking the silence regarding the ubiquity of victimization, given that the culture of silence projects shame and stigma on survivors ( Barta, 2021 ; Bogen, Bleiweiss, et al, 2021 ; Fawcett & Shrestha, 2016 ; Fileborn, 2017 ; Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ; Linabary et al, 2020 ; Loney-Howes, 2018 ; Lusky-Weisrose et al, 2021 ; Masciantonio et al, 2021 ; Naresh et al, 2022 ; O’Neill, 2022 ; Siuta et al, 2023 ; Yalcinoz-Ucan & Eslen-Ziya, 2023 ).…”

“…Some studies were focused on survivors who disclosed on open public platforms (e.g., Gueta et al, 2020 ; Gundersen & Zaleski, 2021 ), while other studies addressed anonymous disclosures made in closed online forums dedicated to the issue of SV ( Moors & Webber, 2013 ; O’Neill, 2018 ). In those studies, anonymity was described as a facilitator for online disclosure as it provided survivors with the security, they needed to share their stories ( Moors & Webber, 2013 ; O’Neill, 2018 ; O’Neill, 2022 ; Watanabe et al, 2022 ). Moreover, Moors and Webber (2013) concluded that disclosure on this anonymous online forum was appealing to survivors abused by people close to them who were experiencing the most difficulty disclosing offline ( Moors & Webber, 2013 ).…”