Survivors of sexual violence confronting their perpetrators

It can be disturbing for survivors of sexual violence to confront their perpetrator about the violence. It may bring back painful memories but some survivors choose to do it. On the other hand, it is important to know what kind of reactions survivors should be expecting from the perpetrators, both for the survivor’s safety and healing process. The aim of the study was to examine whether survivors confront perpetrators about the violence, how perpetrators respond to confrontation and what factors are connected with confrontation and perpetrator’s reaction. The data were collected from Stígamót, a help center for survivors of sexual violence from the years 2009-2015. Results showed that only 19.3% of perpetrators had been confronted by their victim. The most common reaction was that the perpetrator denied the violence (45.7%). Survivors were more likely to confront if the perpetrator was within the family and, if the severity of violence was greater. If the type of violence was incest, the perpetrator was more likely to admit to the violence and if the perpetrator used presents or bribes the perpetrator was also more likely to admit. However, if the perpetrator used negative approaches to ensure silence from the victim, such as physical violence, threats or blaming the victim when confronted, the perpetrator was less likely to deny the violence and more likely to blame the victim for the violence. Results provide a guide to future research in the field and these results can be used to guide survivors of sexual violence.

Author dc:creator

• Eva Jenný Þorsteinsdóttir 1991-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Sálfræði
• Kynferðislegt ofbeldi
• Brotaþolar
• Ofbeldismenn
• Psychology
• Sexual abuse victims

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/28387

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/28387