Posting the story of your sexual assault online: a phenomenological study of the aftermath

ABSTRACT

Silence and shame often surround incidents of sexual violence. As technology and social media spawn movements for survivors to speak about their experiences, it is unknown if public online disclosures are aiding or hindering sexual assault recovery. This study explored the experiences of survivors of sexual violence who utilized social media to publicly disclose surviving sexual assault (n = 20). Qualitative interviews explored survivors’ motivations and overall experiences of self-disclosing their sexual assault via social media. A thematic, open-coded analysis was conducted using NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Four major themes emerged from the data: “I didn’t want to be silenced anymore,” “I named myself a resource,” “The fence begins to have holes in it once you disclose,” and “Disclosing myself was a form of renewal.” The findings elucidate how the majority of participants experienced a positive benefit from disclosing publicly, with two notable exceptions of negative experiences. The findings support further research into this phenomenon to discern whether disclosing one’s story of sexual assault via social media can be seen as an avenue for positive coping and facilitate further resolution after a sexual trauma, specifically regarding a sense of empowerment and a sense of contributing to a larger online narrative of survivors.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual violence
• rape
• trauma
• self-disclosure
• social media

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristin K. Gundersen

Kristin K. Gundersen, MSW is a researcher, speaker, advocate, and macro practitioner on international topics of sexual assault, gender based violence and health disparities among underserved and marginalized populations. Ms. Gundersen has conducted studies on trauma, sexual violence, and rape culture. Additionally, she is the co-founder of a non-profit organization that seeks to empower survivors of sexual violence across the globe. E-mail: [email protected]

Kristen L. Zaleski

Kristen L. Zaleski, PhD, LCSW is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Southern California, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Dr. Zaleski is a researcher, professor, author, and psychotherapist on issues related to sexual trauma. Dr. Zaleski’s current research focuses on topics related to technology and its use in sexual assault perpetration, intervention, and advocacy. E-mail: [email protected]