Changes in Survivors’ Labeling of Sexual Assault Is Common and Explicable:

A Statement from Traumatic Stress Experts

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Project leaders

Rachel Williamson, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada; Julie Olomi, University of Montana, USA

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Project group

Miranda Olff, Amsterdam UMC and ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, The Netherlands

Debra Kaysen, Stanford University, USA

Kate Walsh, University of Wisconsin, USA

Kayleigh Watters, Palo Alto University, USA

Iva Bicanic, UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands

Federica Nava, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Chris Hoeboer, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Elisa van Ee, Radbout University, The Netherlands 

 

Background

Changes in how survivors label and understand sexual assault are common, well-documented, and explicable. Within public discourse, however, these behaviors are often misunderstood or used to cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser and undermine the legitimacy of their account. The consequences of such interpretations are far-reaching: they encumber recovery and justice for the survivor, perpetuate dangerous rape myths, and discourage other survivors from reporting.

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Aim

The purpose of this editorial is to provide a clear statement from researchers and clinicians who specialize in traumatic stress on this topic, along with a brief synthesis of the research on why these shifts in labeling occur. 

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Interested?

Collaborators are Welcome (CAW).  Traumatic stress researchers and clinicians from around the world are invited to collaborate. If interested, please contact: Rachel Williamson 

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Global SVRP

Sexual violence related pregnancies around the world

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Project leader 

Elisa van Ee, Radbout University, The Netherlands 

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Project group

Samantha  Nardella, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, United States of America; Cantyo Atindriyo Dannisworo, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia & Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, The Netherlands; Julia Wijnen, Train for Change International, The Netherlands/South Africa; Manon van Dal, Psychotrauma Centre South Netherlands, The Netherlands; Milou Wakelkamp, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, The Netherlands; Shenaaz Pahad, LSHTM and the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Mariana Goncalves, Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal; Elisa van Ee, Psychotrauma Center South Netherlands, Radboud University, The Netherlands; Rachel Williamson, University of Montana, United States of America; Afzal Nimrah, United Kingdom; Sumit Dutta, India; Selina Hard, University of Montana, United States of America; Sophie Collins, United Kingdom

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Currently looking for more collaborators, please contact the project leader if interested.

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Background

Sexual violence, whether perpetrated by armed forces, strangers or partners, is prevalent worldwide and has far-reaching repercussions for victims. Despite increased attention for victims it is remarkable that an important issue remains unaddressed, namely Sexual Violence Related Pregnancies (SVRP).

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Even though gender-based violence is of all times and ages, the exact prevalence of pregnancies or deliveries as a result of sexual violence is until today unknown. It is estimated that 5% of sexual violence victims become pregnant, however, outcomes of SVRPs and related wellbeing among women may differ over countries as the social environment differs. It is precisely this, an understanding of the relation between SVRP and wellbeing of women (and children) by developing a theory of change model of relational and societal factors of risk and resilience, that is achieved by this project.

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The proposed project consists of two steps. First, to analyze the unique experience that acknowledges the complexity of the individual experience of these women dimensions of individual, relational and societal consequences and their relation to wellbeing will be explored qualitatively thereby creating a broader picture of protective and risk factors that may be of importance. In step two a descriptive cohort study over countries will be set up.

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Aims

This project aims to improve the formal and informal support given to women when needed, firstly by generating an open discussion, secondly by an understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to their difficulties, and thirdly by an understanding of the support needed.

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Method

To analyze the unique experience that acknowledges the complexity of the individual experience of these women. Dimensions of individual, relational and societal consequences and wellbeing will be explored qualitatively, thereby generating rich data and creating a broader picture of protective and risk factors that may be of importance. To explore retrospectively women’s experience questions will be asked about, the process of choices, involved social network, norms and values, belonging, trust, factors of risk and resilience, given social support (positive and negative), needed type of support (formal and informal), experienced (self-)stigma, wellbeing, and changes throughout the process.

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Interested?

Collaborators are Welcome (CAW). Interested in collaboration please contact prof. Elisa van Ee (elisa.vanee@ru.nl)

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