Citation

Abavi R, Branston A, Mason R, Du Mont J. Violence Vict. 2020; 35(1): 126-140.

Affiliation

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada janice.dumont@wchospital.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Springer Publishing)

DOI

10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-18-00148

PMID

32015073

Abstract

Although sexual assault is associated with significant negative psychological health outcomes, few survivors seek support from formal providers. This study explored the barriers to accessing and benefitting from services for sexual assault, as disclosed in narrative posts on social media, using qualitative methodology. Of the 1,179 narratives posted to the subreddit'r/rapecounseling' that were reviewed, 81 data extracts from 52 women were included in this study based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six themes were identified that prevented survivors from accessing or benefitting from help. Internal barriers included feeling overwhelmed and avoidance-based coping. External barriers included availability of services, suitability of services, and therapist-caused harms. Stigma was the only barrier that was experienced both internally and externally. These findings suggest a need for more supportive mental health services.

© Copyright 2020 Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

barriers; help-seeking; reddit; sexual assault; social media; violence against women