Barriers to Disclosure and Official Reporting of Sexual Assault in Civilian and Military Populations

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

The problem of sexual assault has garnered intense interest across military and civilian institutions. Key issues include low rates of official reporting as well as unmet service needs of victims. While a healthy body of literature has addressed barriers to help-seeking and factors influencing formal reporting to law enforcement with civilian samples, less is known about how this research applies to victims in the military. This roundtable will focus on barriers to disclosure and official reporting of sexual assault across military and civilian populations. Discussants with diverse perspectives across research and practice will explore three interrelated areas. First, discussion will consider what is known about victims’ informal disclosure and help-seeking processes, including factors that shape the course of victims’ formal help-seeking and adjustment. Second, speakers will elaborate on what is known about barriers to official reporting of sexual assault across military and civilian samples. Finally, speakers will discuss what victims’ needs are in the aftermath of assault, and how official reporting interfaces with the recovery process. Discussion will include key research findings with civilian samples and insights from the DoD’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Office.

Sub Unit

• Area VIII: Roundtables

Chair

• Kimberly Louise Goodman, Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network

Discussants

• Bette Stebbins-Inch, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, Department of Defense

• Sarah E. Ullman, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Callie Marie Rennison, University of Colorado, Denver