“It’s Hard Being Strong for Her, Because Sometimes I Find Myself Weak”: Reluctant Confidants’ Sensemaking of Survivors’ Sexual Assault Disclosures

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the important, timely, and understudied topic of interpersonal processes related to a disclosure of sexual assault, especially because confidants may feel unprepared to respond appropriately to these disclosures. Examining how confidants respond to survivors when they disclose their sexual assault may play a role in dismantling the factors that silence survivors. Drawing from qualitative data gathered from 28 confidants’ sensemaking of their interactions with female survivors, the results utilize a critical interpersonal lens to unpack the competing discourses and regimes of truth that may support, silence, or complicate their communicative response to survivors' disclosures, which may or may not be positive. The analysis reveals two communication patterns: (1) reflecting hesitancy and (2) affirming validation. Theoretical implications about organizing of silence and practical implications proffer insight into what may be difficult or rewarding for confidants when responding to survivors’ disclosures of sexual assault.