Help-seeking among college survivors of dating and sexual violence: a qualitative exploration of utilization of university-based victim services

Abstract

Objective: Study uses qualitative data to examine help-seeking decisions as well as the drivers and barriers to utilization of university-based victim services through the accounts of survivors. Participants: The current study involves the analysis of 33 semi-structured interviews that were conducted with dating and sexual violence (DSV) survivors at a large, Mid-Atlantic University who both did and did not utilize university-based victim services. Methods: Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Analysis shows that while survivors of DSV undergo a process of help-seeking that is similar to those described in previous help-seeking models, there are additional factors that contribute to a reluctancy to seek services at a university-based victim services center in particular that must be accounted for in the literature. Conclusions: The findings from the current study underscore the importance of understanding the specific drivers and barriers to utilization of university-based victim services.

Keywords:

• College
• sexual violence
• dating violence
• help-seeking

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Rutgers University.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Notes

1 Both the term “victim” and “survivor” are used in this paper, as each individual who experiences dating and/or sexual violence may identify differently throughout the recovery process.