The dance of disclosure: Online self-disclosure of sexual assault

Abstract

The painful route that many survivors take to disclosing sexual assault is well documented, as is the low rate of formal reporting of such incidents. Previous research has examined self-disclosure in traditional settings but not online, where this research found a small but significant amount of help-seeking behaviour occurring. An in-depth analysis of 31 questions and answers on Yahoo! Answers in Australia containing disclosures of sexual assault was conducted. Drawing on interpretive descriptive methodology, clear patterns of help-seeking behaviours and responses were identified and categorized. These patterns constitute what we termed the ‘dance of disclosure’, a theme that could form the basis for further research in this area. Survivors disclosing on this site frequently expressed feeling ‘nowhere else to turn’. In particular a highly vulnerable group was identified as utilizing this medium – survivors who had been abused by people close to them in the past when they were under the age of puberty. Although most responses were supportive, a small number of negative comments were of concern, given survivors’ particular sensitivity to feedback and the influence initial responses have on their inclination to disclose further. As these sites attract survivors reluctant to make contact with social workers and online disclosure can leave victims open to internet predators, we encourage sexual assault counselling centres to consider new outreach methods such as informal monitoring of these sites to offer support and notify survivors of available professional services. It concludes by mentioning some innovative online outreach methods currently being practiced.