A thematic content analysis of views regarding sexual assault disclosure and the #MeToo/WeToo movements for CALD Japanese women in Australia

Abstract

Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Australia may be unlikely to disclose sexual assault, due to the social norms in their home countries. Due to varying degrees of acculturation, Japanese residents of Australia may be influenced by Japanese norms. The Australian government acknowledges that targeted responses may be needed to support CALD women disclose sexual assault, yet research on this area is scarce. This study explores the views of CALD Japanese women living in Australia regarding sexual assault disclosure and the #MeToo and #WeToo movements. A thematic content analysis of interviews with eight CALD Japanese women revealed that their views on sexual assault disclosure were dominated by two opposing themes, Systemic Avoidance and Empowerment through Social Activism, which were informed by the degree to which they upheld Hofstede's individualism, masculinity, and power distance cultural values. Our findings may help policy makers develop culturally nuanced approaches to encourage the disclosure of sexual violence.