Talking About Sexual Assault: Society's Response to Survivors

This second edition provides a comprehensive, social ecological review of women's rape and sexual assault disclosures and how support providers can better respond to them and challenge rape culture. It offers powerful, provocative insights to therapists, other frontline workers assisting survivors, researchers, and students, and includes updated research addressing social media, social phenomena like the MeToo movement, and informal supporters' experiences with survivors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 281 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: American Psychological Association

This second edition offers a comprehensive and social ecological examination of women's rape and sexual assault disclosures, as well as how support providers can effectively respond to them and challenge rape culture. Women who have experienced rape and sexual assault are frequently subjected to negative social reactions from family and friends, healthcare professionals, institutions, and society as a whole, which can further traumatize them. Sarah Ullman, in this enlightening book, equips supporters with the knowledge and skills to provide empowering responses that aid survivors in their healing journey. Drawing on extensive interviews with survivors and support providers, she provides insightful and thought-provoking insights to therapists, frontline workers assisting survivors, researchers, and students.

The book delves into various aspects of women's disclosure of rape and sexual assault, including the reasons behind such disclosures, the frequency of disclosures, and the specific contexts in which they occur. It also explores the impact of social contexts on disclosures, examining how societal attitudes, norms, and power dynamics shape the responses of individuals and institutions. Ullman reviews transtheoretical research on why, how often, and to whom women disclose, shedding light on the complex factors that influence their decision-making process.

Furthermore, the book examines social reactions from informal support networks and professionals in a variety of institutional settings, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by survivors in seeking help and support. New to this edition is updated research addressing social media, social phenomena like the MeToo movement, and the experiences of informal supporters with survivors. While most research has traditionally focused on White, heterosexual, and cisgender women, emerging findings on LGBTQ+ individuals, cis males, people of color, and people with disabilities are reviewed where available, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of the issue.

Overall, this second edition provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding women's rape and sexual assault disclosures, as well as the challenges and opportunities for support providers in responding to these disclosures effectively. By challenging rape culture and promoting survivor-centered care, this book contributes to a more just and equitable society for all individuals affected by sexual violence.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433836312
Edition number: Second