Citation

Field-Springer K, Draut H, Babrow F, Sandman M. Health Commun. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10410236.2021.1880052

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sexual violence is a major public health concern, and healthcare providers are in a unique position to offer care and support for survivors. Our study analyzes survivors' stories of sexual violence posted on Twitter in the #MeToo movement between November 29 and December 25, 2017. In analyzing communicative traces that lie within digital data, we read survivors' stories for emotional expressions that create practice. Three themes, informed by survivors of sexual violence reported in our study, included: 1) gaslighting: (re)claiming what I experienced; 2) shame and blame: redefining victimhood and redirecting pain; and 3) bystander: becoming a respectful witness. The practical implications of this piece identify healthcare providers, and in particular OB/GYNs, occupy an important role to create a space where survivors can reclaim their agency, experience, and seek the support they need to heal.

Language: en