Giving voice: experiences and needs of sexual assault survivors facing multiple adversities

Abstract

Although specialized sexual assault services have been established throughout the world to better meet survivors’ needs, many survivors remain underserved. Survivors who are simultaneously experiencing additional adversities (e.g. survivors with mental illness and/or substance abuse) appear particularly underserved by formal support systems. The present study therefore set out to explore the formal help-seeking experiences and needs of survivors facing various adversities apart from the sexual assault. Interviews were conducted with five survivors seeking formal support for sexual assault in Denmark. Interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Five themes are presented: 1) “Sexual Assault as Lived Experience,” 2) “Survivors’ Needs,” 3) “Accessing Sexual Assault Services,” 4) “SAC-Therapy,” and 5) “The Criminal Justice System.” Theme 1 made evident that the experience of sexual assault and its aftermath is deeply personal and contextual. Themes 2–5 demonstrate how such personal and contextual aspects impact service utilization and needs. Implications and recommendations are provided. Above all, meeting survivors’ needs will require a more person-centered approach that acknowledges the unique context of survivors’ sexual assault experiences.

Keywords:

• qualitative research
• sexual assault
• post-assault care
• help-seeking behaviors
• service utilization

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the study participants; The Council of Danish Victims’ Fund; Dr. Rikke Holm Bramsen; the project reference group; and the Sexual Assault Centers in Kolding, Odense and Aarhus.

Author note

These materials have received financial support from The Council of The Danish Victims’ Fund as part of a larger research project under grant no. 2017/2. The authors are responsible for the execution, content, and results of the materials. The analysis and viewpoints that have been made evident from the materials belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Council of The Danish Victims’ Fund.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by The council of the Danish Victims Fund.