“ He went to jail. But Is That Justice ?” Sexual Violence Survivors’ Perspectives on Justice,Accountability,and Repairing Sexual Harm

Abstract

Sexual violence (SV) represents a significant public health issue, disproportionately affecting minoritized populations and exacerbating existing health inequities. SV is associated with adverse health outcomes experienced across the life course, including health outcomes related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Failures within the criminal legal system (CLS) contribute to a significant “justice gap,” characterized by a disparity between the prevalence of SV incidents and the rate of perpetrator arrests, which often leaves survivors feeling unsupported in their pursuit of legal justice. This qualitative descriptive study explores the lived experiences of self-identified SV survivors in Kentucky (n = 20) through semi-structured narrative interviews regarding experiences with CLS and law enforcement. Utilizing a reflexive thematic analytic approach, three overarching themes emerged from participant narratives, each supported by multiple subthemes: Distrust of Criminal Legal Systems, Secondary Traumatization Experiences with Criminal Legal Systems, and Reimagining Justice after Sexual Violence. Participants emphasized justice goals centered on safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and community protection. Participants emphasized the potential for alternative justice frameworks to not only address individual cases of SV but also foster community healing and resilience. These goals indicate a shift away from traditional punitive models toward a framework that prioritizes the long-term health and well-being of survivors, as well as addresses inequities in health outcomes related to SV. By reimagining what justice after SV entails, this study aims to contribute to the discourse surrounding equitable and effective responses to SV. Emphasizing lived experience perspectives can enhance understanding of the diverse needs of SV survivors and promote transformative approaches to justice. Prioritizing survivor-centered justice may enhance the overall efficacy of responses to SV, ultimately supporting the long-term health and well-being of affected individuals and communities.