“Having One Person Tell Me I Didn’t Do the Wrong Thing”: The Impact of Support on the Post-Sexual Assault Exam Experience

Elizabeth Novack Wright, Sheridan Miyamoto, Jocelyn Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Social support following a sexual assault (SA) may help minimize or prevent the myriad of negative sequelae impacting individuals who experience SA. Receiving a SA exam may provide initial support during the SA exam and set up individuals with needed resources and supports post-SA exam. However, the few individuals who receive a SA exam may not stay connected to resources or support post-exam. The purpose of this study was to understand individuals’ post-SA-exam social support pathways including individuals’ ability to cope, seek care, or accept support following a SA exam. Interviews were conducted with individuals who experienced SA and then received a SA exam through a telehealth model. The findings revealed the importance of social support during the SA exam and in the months that followed. Implications are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2721-2742
Number of pages22
JournalViolence Against Women
Volume30
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Gender Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Law

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