Sexual assault disclosure among individuals who identify as a sexual or gender minority

• In Event: Sexual assault disclosure: The voices of survivors and police officers

Abstract

Individuals who identify as a sexual or gender minority (2SLGBTQ+) are sexually assaulted at a rate three times higher than the heterosexual population. Yet, research on sexual assault has typically been conducted through a heteronormative lens. Additionally, sexual orientation and gender identity are often omitted from research on sexual violence or aggregated in data collection, thereby minimizing the unique experience of each orientation or identity (ie. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender). Sexual assault is grossly under-reported, and the stigmatized identity of sexual and gender minorities makes a disclosure to formal support providers complex. The purpose of our study is to explore the unique experiences of individuals who identify as a sexual or gender minority, have experienced sexual assault, and disclosed it to a formal support provider.
This research in progress is informed by the gaps in sexual and gender script theory, which are based on heteronormative assumptions that men are perpetrators and women are victims of sexual assault. Strategies guiding our research include 1) focus groups with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and 2) implementation of a community advisory committee (service providers). These strategies are intended to provide insight into the research design and data collection tools and inform sexual and gender-sensitive language throughout the research process. Semi-structured interviews will be used to explore the sexual assault disclosure experiences of participants, with a recruitment strategy ensuring the representation of unique experiences of each orientation/identity. Interviews will be analyzed thematically. A second step in the analytic process includes collating findings from each group through a meta-synthesis of themes. Anticipated findings will assist in challenging heteronormative assumptions about sexual assault. An improved understanding of the needs and barriers to disclosure may assist in creating safe spaces and improved support for sexual assault survivors who identify as a sexual or gender minority.

Authors

• Lori Chambers, Lakehead University

• Karen McQueen, Lakehead University

• Ainsley Miller, Lakehead University

• Jodie Murphy-Oikonen, Lakehead University