Citation

Malinen KA, Kennedy K, Macleod E, VanTassel B, O'Rourke K. Affilia 2024; 39(3): 407-424.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/08861099231208945

PMID

39099643

PMCID

PMC11296935

Abstract

This article presents dialectical themes that emerged from the grounded theory analysis of 42 focus groups about university sexual assault policies held at four universities in Nova Scotia, Canada. Fourteen cultural communities were represented. Data from female-identified focus groups representing five cultures is deployed to exemplify dialectical themes. When it comes to university sexual assault policies and services, students navigate conflicting needs for disclosure and privacy, justice, and protection. These tensions are intersectionally shaped by gender and culture. Our analysis and recommendations can inform practitioners, including social workers, as they support survivors/victims, particularly of campus sexual violence, in navigating the complexities of decisions about seeking support and/or justice.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; intersectionality; cultural competence/cultural humility; female faculty/students; gender-based violence