Abstract Book of the 4th International Conference on LGBT Studies
Year: 2025
[PDF]
A Qualitative Exploration of Perspectives on Help-Seeking for LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Violence
Ciara Buckley
ABSTRACT:
Despite experiencing similar or higher rates of sexual violence compared with heterosexual cisgender counterparts, LGBTQIA+ people are under-served in service provision, with research documenting negative experiences with services, and subsequent disengagement from supports. Despite high levels of initial engagement with formal support organisations (i.e., help-seeking), LGBTQIA+ sexual violence survivors are often underrepresented in service data and research on recovery and survivorship. This indicates a need for development of services to enhance inclusiveness and effectiveness for sexual and gender minority survivors. This qualitative study aimed to address this gap by exploring the perspectives of LGBTQ+ survivors’ perspectives on help-seeking. Results describe survivors’ experiences with informal supports and support services, as well as the factors influencing decisions to engage, abstain or disengage from formal supports. Participant preferences in terms of type of support and delivery are also explored.
Keywords: sexual violence survivor, help-seeking, LGBTQIA+