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Abstract: 

Many victims encounter shame and stigmatization when they disclose to others about their sexual victimization. This research brief connects the statements of individuals who have experienced sexual victimization to the five pillars of trauma-informed care: safety, collaboration, trustworthiness, empowerment, and choice. Though never explicitly invited or urged to do so, these survivors repeatedly expressed needs aligned with the pillars of trauma-informed care—how they were only able to make progress toward healing when they were able to allow themselves to acknowledge their own vulnerability, and how important it was to collaborate with others, whether in a therapeutic relationship or within a support network. The five pillars provide a foundation for therapists and clients to engage in open relationships, recognize the vulnerability in all of us, and build the skills of empathy and resilience. The original data for this study came from interviews with ten victims who spoke about support, shame, and stigma connected to their disclosure experiences. Findings from the interviews underscore the obligations of trauma-informed care in building strong therapeutic relationships among therapists and their support networks. The study shows empathy and vulnerability are both essential skills in helping victims move beyond their victimizations.

Keywords: Sexual Victimization, Trauma-Informed, Vulnerability, Empathy, Trust

Affiliations:  1: Carroll University; 2: Carroll University.