A meta-summary of qualitative findings about professional services for survivors of sexual violence

Abstract

Sexual violence occurs at alarming rates in children and adults. Survivors experience myriad negative health outcomes and legal problems, which place them in need of professional services. A meta-summary was conducted of 31 published qualitative studies on adults' responses to sexual violence, with a focus on survivors' use of professional services. Combined samples included 46 men, 984 women, and six couples who had experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Findings indicated that qualities of professional service providers and outcomes of professional services were perceived either positively or negatively (rather than neutrally) by survivors, regardless of the provider's professional discipline. Professionals who work with sexual violence survivors can use these findings to improve their practices. © 2010, Donna S. Martsolf, Christina B. Cook, Ratchneewan Ross, Andrea Warner Stidham, Prudencia Mweemba, and Nova Southeastern University.