Understanding the Role of Trust in Formal Help-seeking

• In Event: Mental Health, Help Seeking, and Victimization

Abstract

Sexual assault is prevalent in the United States with one in four woman and one in twenty-six men reporting forceable rape during their lifetime.Consequences of sexual assault may include physical injury, emotional dysfunction, gynecological trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, risk of pregnancy, substance abuse, and chronic illness. Help-seeking to address the consequences of sexual assault victimization is low, despite evidence suggesting its usefulness in mitigating negative effects. Previous research has identified factors that affect help-seeking behaviors, including severity and victim-offender relationship, but has not yet explored how trust may relate to help-seeking behaviors of sexual assault victims. Using self-report survey data from 150-200 sexual assault victims, we examine whether generalized trust and trust in police are related to help-seeking from police. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Payton Rose Eckell, University of Delaware

• Deeanna Button, Stockton University

• Zornitsa Kalibatseva, Stockton University