“I Want More Personalized Support”: Survivors’ Descriptions of Ideal Responses to Their Disclosure of Sexual Violence

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore how survivors’ perceptions of social reactions received upon disclosure of sexual assault varied by type of disclosure recipient. Survivors (n = 37) reported disclosing experiences of sexual violence in-person or online and in-person. The research team used applied thematic analysis to investigate how survivors’ perceptions of social reactions varied by the type of disclosure recipient. Participants shared social reactions received from family, friends, partners, providers, law enforcement, educators, and general acquaintances. Participants described the reactions they received as helpful, harmful, or ambivalent. Future research studies and clinical recommendations are discussed.