The Survivors’ Calculus: How University Survivors Navigate Healing Amid Institutional Betrayal

Student survivors of sexual violence face barriers to accessing healing resources. This community-driven study analyzed open-ended responses from 387 survivors using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. We introduce the “Survivors’ Calculus,” a framework describing factors shaping survivors’ decision-making. We identified four themes: (1) Navigating Self-Realization, Self-Investigation, and the Repercussions of Reporting; (2) Seeking Emotional and Professional Support; (3) Managing Logistical Support and Concerns about Confidentiality; and (4) Experiencing Re-Traumatization through the Title IX Office and Police. Racially minoritized and LGBTIQA+ survivors reported added barriers. The Survivors’ Calculus demonstrates how institutional processes place the burden of healing on survivors themselves.