How Sexual Assault Survivors Perceive Their Experiences with Victim Advocates

Programs incorporating sexual assault victim advocates have become a prominent resource in assisting survivors gain access to necessary services to aid in their recovery. Although these efforts provide needed support to survivors, the programs are developed without the input of the survivors. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the relationship between victim advocates and survivors from the perspective of the survivor. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 sexual assault survivors regarding how they perceived their relationship with their advocates, what they experienced as helpful or not helpful in that relationship, and what they thought might improve that relationship. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and themes in participants’ narratives and secondary victimization theory and social learning theory were used as frameworks for the study. Participants described a complex but important relationship with advocates. All participants reported some positive aspects of the relationship; however, several also reported negative views of their experience. Themes that emerged in participants’ descriptions of this relationship included supportive, positive, empowering, frustrating, negative, neutral, and safe. Participants noted that helpful aspects of this relationship included guidance, being proactive, validation, trust, and being heard; however, they indicated that the way services were structured and issues with communication were problematic. The findings highlight the potential for the interaction with an advocate to significantly impact the healing process for survivors. The findings can be used to inform agencies that assist survivors of sexual assault and generate social change by helping such programs more effectively assist them.