Narratives on disclosure of sexual violence: Survivors' responses to public testimony to a high-profile case.

Abstract

Objective: Sexual violence is prevalent and associated with an elevated risk for physical health problems and psychological disorders. The social reactions survivors receive in response to disclosures of sexual violence can impact their postassault recovery. Many survivors do not disclose experiences of sexual violence, which can also complicate the course of recovery. The present study aims to further our understanding of survivors' experiences of sexual violence and their decisions to disclose or not disclose. The data set used is also of historical significance as it captures responses to one of the most public disclosures of sexual assault.

Method: Qualitative themes were identified from unsolicited, de-identified personal correspondence (n = 91) from a large archive sent to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford after her public testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee describing an alleged sexual assault.

Results: Thematic analyses indicated five common negative reactions (i.e., dismissal, disbelief or denial, lack of repercussions for the perpetrator, retaliation, and victim blame) and two positive reactions (i.e., appropriate action and emotional support) in response to sexual violence disclosures. Reasons for nondisclosure included shame and fear of negative social reactions.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that the interpersonal act of sexual violence disclosure is a dynamic process that can have lasting effects on survivors and has implications for fostering a sociocultural climate that facilitates posttraumatic growth in the aftermath of sexual violence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).