Shame and adult sexual assault: a study with a group of female survivors recruited from an East London population

Abstract

This study assessed feelings of shame in a group of 25 female survivors of adult sexual assault by using a series of self-rating scales. Women were recruited from a sexual health service and via media advertisement within East London. Findings demonstrated how shame was a noteworthy psychological response for this group of women (up to 75% of women reported feeling ashamed about themselves following sexual assault). A history of previous sexual victimisation, physical consequences, self-blame, concealing the assault and being assaulted by a known assailant were found to significantly influence the extent to which shame was reported. Results also indicated a significant relationship between shame and traumatic stress. The findings are consistent with previous studies that demonstrate a link between shame and sexual trauma. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• female
• sexual trauma
• gender issues