Support For Survivors Research Articles

Drug-facilitated sexual assaults: An impediment to the progression of Indian society

Globally, the number of crimes aided by drugs is rising. Both industrialized and developing nations are seeing an increase in the use of date rape medications. Any drug that can be used to facilitate the commission of a sexual assault is referred to as a date rape drug. Alcohol and other drugs, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, ketamine, and benzodiazepines, are frequently used in both sexual and nonsexual acts of violence. The most common types of date rape drugs include Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. These drugs can cause dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and memory loss, making it easier for perpetrators to commit a sexual assault without the victim's knowledge or consent. Before committing the crime, the offender gives the booze or mixes the narcotics with meals or other beverages. DFSA (Drug-facilitated Sexual Assault) cases in India pose several challenges, including the lack of awareness and understanding of the issue, the difficulty in detecting and proving the presence of date rape drugs, and the inadequate support and resources available to victims. However, several solutions can be implemented, such as increasing public awareness through education and campaigns, strengthening laws to address the issue of date rape drugs specifically, providing better training to law enforcement agencies, improving access to medical care for victims, and increasing support and resources for survivors of sexual assault. These measures can help address the challenges and provide justice to the victims of DFSA cases in India. Therefore, I will be reviewing and explaining the various date rape drug types that are widely used in India, their mode of action on the human body, resulting effects, and the increasing number of challenges faced by our Indian society due to the emerging number of DFSA cases.

Review of adaptive control for stroke lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot based on motion intention recognition.

Stroke is a significant cause of disability worldwide, and stroke survivors often experience severe motor impairments. Lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots provide support and balance for stroke survivors and assist them in performing rehabilitation training tasks, which can effectively improve their quality of life during the later stages of stroke recovery. Lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots have become a hot topic in rehabilitation therapy research. This review introduces traditional rehabilitation assessment methods, explores the possibility of lower limb exoskeleton robots combining sensors and electrophysiological signals to assess stroke survivors' rehabilitation objectively, summarizes standard human-robot coupling models of lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots in recent years, and critically introduces adaptive control models based on motion intent recognition for lower limb exoskeleton robots. This provides new design ideas for the future combination of lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots with rehabilitation assessment, motion assistance, rehabilitation treatment, and adaptive control, making the rehabilitation assessment process more objective and addressing the shortage of rehabilitation therapists to some extent. Finally, the article discusses the current limitations of adaptive control of lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots for stroke survivors and proposes new research directions.

Health care experiences of Black cancer survivors: A qualitative study exploring drivers of low and high Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems global ratings of care.

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of Black patients with cancer in health care by comparing drivers of high and low ratings. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 Black patients with cancer recruited from cancer survivorship support groups and Facebook between May 2019 and March 2020. Interviews were coded across all transcripts by using a thematic analysis approach before comparing low- and high-rating groups. There were three major themes that influenced whether patients rated their care as low or high, which included the patient-provider relationship, health care staff interactions, and cancer care coordination. For example, the high-rating group described good communication with the health care team as physicians listening to their needs, being responsive to their concerns, and providing recommendations on how to address side effects. In contrast, the low-rating group described poor communication with their health care team as their needs being dismissed and being excluded from decision-making processes. Additionally, there were two distinct themes that influenced patients' low ratings: insurance and financial toxicity issues and experiences of health care discrimination. In an effort to promote equitable cancer care experiences for Black patients, it is important that health systems work to prioritize patient interactions with health care providers and staff, comprehensive care management for patients with cancer, and reductions in the financial burden of caring for cancer.

Exercise social support, barriers, and instructions in venous thromboembolism survivors: a descriptive study

BackgroundDiagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be a significant life event that leads to changes in physical activity and exercise. Currently, little is known about the psychosocial experiences of survivors including perceived sources of social support, exercise barriers, and instructions for exercise from medical providers. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore psychosocial characteristics associated with VTE survivors’ postdiagnosis exercise. Specifically, 1) what are the main sources of social support utilized by VTE survivors for exercise, 2) what are the most significant exercise barriers (eg, physical, social, and psychological) faced by VTE survivors, and 3) what specific information relative to exercise is provided by medical professionals following diagnosis? MethodsVTE survivors (n = 472) were recruited through social media groups to participate in open-ended questions about psychosocial characteristics pertaining to postdiagnosis exercise. ResultsVTE survivors reported multiple forms of exercise social support, although almost 1 in 4 participants reported having no support for exercise. Several postdiagnosis exercise barriers were noted, and the data indicated a wide variety of information from their medical providers regarding engaging in exercise following their diagnosis, suggesting that the unique benefits and drawbacks to these instructions should be examined in more detail. ConclusionAlthough VTE survivors identified numerous categories of social support, there also exist numerous barriers, including a lack of standardized instructions for exercise. Further exploration of these characteristics is needed to better serve this population to encourage postdiagnosis exercise.

War-related sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a community-based study

IntroductionSexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) during armed conflicts has serious ramifications with women and girls disproportionally affected. The impact of the conflict that erupted in November 2020 in Tigray on...

MEDICO-BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER ON THE POPULATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF HOSTILITIES

Background. Investigating the medical-biological and socio-economic impacts of PTSD on a country's population is essential, as PTSD can cause serious mental and somatic health issues, affect work capacity and overall quality of life, and have long-term consequences for veterans and survivors. Understanding and studying the causes and consequences of PTSD is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies and ensuring national security and sustainable development of the country.
 Aim: To analyze the medical-biological and socio-economic consequences of PTSD on veterans and the population as a whole.
 Materials and methods. A data analysis was conducted using information obtained from online database searches in "PubMed," "National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism," "ScienceDirect," and "Psychiatrist.com," with keywords such as "post-traumatic stress disorder," "civilian population," "military," "veterans," "comorbid conditions," "alcoholism," "drug addiction," "economic burden," "disability," "costs," "socio-economic status," "combat operations," and "support for survivors."
 Results. PTSD is a significant societal and economic challenge. Negative trends of these consequences are most acutely manifested in countries experiencing recent or ongoing military conflicts, where the dynamics of PTSD are increasing. Timely diagnosis and active public education are extremely important for preventing the development of chronic conditions and avoiding limitations on the functioning of survivors. Real-world practice demonstrates that support for individuals with PTSD often includes not only professional medical therapy but also assistance in employment, housing, and social adaptation.
 Conclusion. PTSD is a serious problem for veterans and civilian populations, requiring attention and support from the government and society. Further research and the development of effective treatment and support methods for people suffering from PTSD are needed to improve their quality of life and promote social integration.

The role of NGOs in support of women acid survivors in Pakistan: a comparative analysis

This study evaluates the acid attacks survivor women of Pakistan. Therefore, a growing number of acid burn violence is like a black spot in the face of Pakistan. This study's main objective is to compare and contrast NGOs' roles and help in supporting their female victims. Hence, many NGOs in Pakistan worked in this area; however, this study only focuses on two well-known NGOs, i.e., the Acid Survivor Foundation (ASF) and the Depilex Smile Again Foundation (DSAF). It investigates how these organisations help and support female acid survivors as well as which organisations more effectively work in this regard. A qualitative method was used to analyse reports from 2006 to 2023. Secondary sources were also used. The study examined that both organisations provide them with psycho-socio, financial and legal assistance, medical treatments and shelter homes. However, DSAF is playing a more active role in supporting their victims. It sends more complicated cases of female sufferers to foreign doctors for their successful surgeries. Moreover, it empowers female victims through education, provides professional training, offers jobs and sends able female victims to foreign countries to highlight their abilities. It also spends a heavy expenditure on their weddings.

Nowhere to turn: A Black feminist autoethnography of interpersonal violence

In July 2020, rapper Megan Thee Stallion was shot by her then boyfriend Tory Lanez, a fellow rapper. The incident brought to the surface (again) a long, ongoing conversation about the experiences of Black women survivors of intimate partner violence, much like other high-profile cases (e.g., Tina Turner) have done before. Specifically, these cases show how Black men particularly can uphold patriarchal violence in intimate or romantic contexts. Moreover, these cases show the tensions that can arise when survivors seek help from law enforcement. For example, the idea of racial loyalty and not calling the police on a Black man and how this affects the options available to Black women. In other words, Black women often have nowhere to turn for help when they experience violence. In this article, I employ Black Feminist Autoethnography as a methodological framework to analyze a personal instance of road rage where I was attacked, to explore how Black women survivors make meaning of their experiences, the thought process behind their decision to involve the police, how Black men uphold patriarchal violence in non-intimate contexts, and how Black women resist or refuse to accept the violence. This analysis reveals the raced and gendered components underlying the private/public nature of interpersonal violence experienced by Black women and the relationship between intimate and non-intimate interpersonal violence. Implications for qualitative social work research and practice include the use of Black Feminist Autoethnography as a methodological framework to identify areas of empowerment, strength, and support for survivors of violence.

Decisional Regret in Long-Term Australian Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an intensive but effective treatment for malignant and non-malignant diseases. However, long-term survival often comes at a cost, with survivors experiencing chronic morbidity and are at risk of relapse and secondary malignancy. This study aimed to describe decisional regret in a large cohort of Australian long-term allo-HSCT survivors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 441 adults in New South Wales, assessing quality of life (QoL), psychological, social, demographic, and clinical variables. Less than 10% of survivors expressed regret, with chronic graft-versus-host disease being the most important clinical factor. Psycho-socioeconomic factors such as depression, lower QoL scores, lower household income, higher treatment burden, and not resuming sex post-HSCT were also associated with regret. Findings highlight the need for valid informed consent and ongoing follow-up and support for allo-HSCT survivors dealing with life post-transplant. Nurses and healthcare professionals play a critical role in addressing decisional regret in these patients.

Patient-reported patterns of follow-up care in the ‘Aftercare in Blood Cancer Survivors’ (ABC) study

BackgroundFollow-up care provides long-term support for cancer survivors. Little is known about follow-up care in hematologic malignancies.MethodsOur questionnaire-based study included blood cancer survivors diagnosed at the University Hospital of Essen before 2010, with a ≥ 3-year interval since the last intense treatment. The primary goal of the retrospective study was the identification and characterization of follow-up institutions.ResultsOf 2386 survivors meeting the inclusion criteria, 1551 (65.0%) consented to participate, with a follow-up duration > 10 years in 731. The university hospital provided care for 1045 participants (67.4%), non-university oncologists for 231 (14.9%), and non-oncological internists or general practitioners for 203 (13.1%). Seventy-two participants (4.6%) abstained from follow-up care. The disease spectrum differed among follow-up institutions (p < 0.0001). While allogeneic transplant recipients clustered at the university hospital, survivors with monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative disorders, or indolent lymphomas were often seen by non-university oncologists, and survivors with a history of aggressive lymphoma or acute leukemia by non-oncological internists or general practitioners. Follow-up intervals mirrored published recommendations. Follow-up visits were dominated by conversations, physical examination, and blood tests. Imaging was more often performed outside than inside the university hospital. Satisfaction with follow-up care was high, and quality of life was similar in all follow-up institutions. A need for improvement was reported in psychosocial support and information about late effects.ConclusionsThe naturally evolved patterns identified in the study resemble published care models: Follow-up clinics for complex needs, specialist-led care for unstable disease states, and general practitioner-led care for stable conditions.

Social determinants of health and neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes in adult childhood cancer survivors: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study (CCSS).

12084 Background: Limited data exist on the impact of social determinants of health on neurocognitive, psychological, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in adult childhood cancer survivors. Methods: We examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of neurocognitive function, psychological symptoms, and QOL in association with the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and neighborhood ambient air quality in 5,131 survivors (52.1% female, mean [SD] age 29.9 [7.1], mean [SD] age at diagnosis 7.9 [6.2], 81.5% White, and 42.3% leukemia) from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. The ADI, which reflects neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation, was coded using survivors’ residential 9-digit ZIP codes; neighborhood ambient air quality was coded by the NASA Satellite-based pollution measures PM2.5 and NO2 by ZIP codes. Impairment on PROs was identified from scores on the Neurocognitive Questionnaire (≤10th%ile), the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI; ≥90th%ile), the pain survey (yes vs. no), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 ( &lt; 16th%ile). Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between social determinants and PROs with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for demographic and treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) factors. Results: Among survivors, impaired neurocognitive function was reported in 26.5% for task efficiency, 25.4% memory, 15.4% emotional regulation, and 11.6% organization. For the BSI and pain survey, 56.7%, 11.3%, 8.3%, and 7.3% reported total pain, depression, somatization, and anxiety, respectively. Poor physical and mental domains of QOL were reported by 10.9% and 17.0% of survivors, respectively. Survivors with an ADI in the top deprived 20% neighborhoods (compared to the bottom 80% neighborhoods) reported worse neurocognitive function (task efficiency, OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.45-2.46; emotional regulation, OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.30-2.34; and memory, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29-2.17), more severe symptoms (pain, OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.70; somatization, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.28; and depression, OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.19-2.44), and poorer QOL (physical, OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.28-2.38; mental, OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.35-2.36), controlling for treatment factors. Survivors from the 20% most deprived neighborhoods showed worse task efficiency (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.03-2.17), adjusting for all confounders. PM2.5 and NO2 levels were not associated with impairment on PROs, adjusting for all confounders. Conclusions: Social determinants, particularly living in the top deprived neighborhoods, are adversely associated with neurocognitive, psychological, and QOL outcomes in adult childhood cancer survivors. These findings indicate the critical need of evaluating childhood cancer survivors’ area-level deprivation and tailoring support and interventions for survivors based on their social and structural contexts.

Resources and Support for Sexual Assault Survivors Receiving Services From the U.S. Air Force: What Survivors Say They Need for Recovery.

Sexual assault (SA) is a serious challenge faced by the U.S. military. Participants in this study included men and women who volunteered in response to a call for survivors of SA. Participants included active duty and reserve U.S. Air Force (USAF) members, spouses of service members, or civilian employees for the USAF (beneficiaries). The primary research question was, "if you could design the perfect response system to support survivors, what would be included in this system?" The research team conducted in-depth interviews with nine survivors. Next, 82 survivors completed a survey agreeing or disagreeing with strategies identified by interview participants to improve services for survivors and offered additional suggestions. Analysis revealed survivor recommendations to improve SA services.

Addressing the atomic bomb damage: Associations between ‘state compensation’ demands and aspects of survivors' suffering

AbstractTo address the long‐lasting consequences of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in 1994, the Japanese government implemented the current in‐force Atomic Bomb Survivors Support Law. This substantial policy offers medical, health and welfare measures and even incorporates some reparations‐like aspects. Nevertheless, atomic bomb survivors' organisations have severely criticised the government for failing to adequately address the entirety and inhumanity of the atomic bomb damage by refusing to enact the law on a clearly stated principle of ‘state compensation’. As such, we attempt to clarify empirically what aspects of survivors' suffering are most closely associated with their demands for ‘state compensation’. Based on statistical model‐based analysis, survivors who deem that ‘state compensation’ should be enacted experience frequent flashbacks of the bombings, disadvantaged life opportunities and economic concerns, among others. We conclude the study by considering the difficulty in addressing the consequences of nuclear weapons use and testing through programmes that approximate, but fail to establish, clear reparations‐based measures, such as the current Atomic Bomb Survivors Support Law.

Experiences of healthcare staff in forensic care facilities supporting sexual violence survivors, in Tshwane, South Africa.

Sexual violence is a persisting global epidemic that is constantly increasing on a large scale. The rate of sexual violence in South Africa is one of the highest in the world; and it has been reported to appear socially normalised and acceptable. The study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare staff working in forensic care centres (FCCs) in Tshwane, South Africa. A qualitative approach was followed incorporating focus group interviews with a range of healthcare staff based in the two FCCs. Non-probability purposive sampling was done. Data analysis was informed by the Analytic Hierarchy Model which comprised of three steps: data management, descriptive accounts and developing explanatory accounts. Three main themes emerged as, (1) help them to do away with the idea of self-blame: everyday work; (2) barriers to the accessibility of care: seeking alternative traditional remedies(muti)from traditional healers and working in an unconducive environment and (3) compassionately sick at times: Emotional impact of forensic care work. The findings revealed that the healthcare staff are often working in difficult circumstances and that both professional and societal factors mediate against the provision of care and support for survivors. Greater attention is needed both in terms of service development and wider challenges to pervading societal norms surrounding violence against women.Contribution:The study highlighted the need for training, improved management support and debriefing sessions.

Relationship of Stressors and Psychosocial Support with Occurrence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Patients with Covid-19

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common in COVID-19 survivors and can be caused by a variety of stressors, including the duration of infection, severity, and location of isolation when infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, public anxiety caused by the rapid increase in the number of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 plays a role in the occurrence of PTSD. To reduce the risk of mental disorders, psychosocial support is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors, to describe aspects of psychosocial support for COVID-19 survivors, and to assess the relationship between stressor factors and psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors. This research used an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach, involving 149 respondents aged 17-65 years, 52 men and 97 women from the COVID-19 survivor community known as COVID Survivor Indonesia (CSI) in DKI Jakarta. The Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and The Impact Of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires were distributed via Google Form to collect data. Data was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 26.0, and results were analyzed using descriptive univariate and bivariate using Chi Square. There is a significant relationship between stressor factors and the occurrence of PTSD, specifically the duration of infection with COVID-19 (P = 0,026), severity when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,027), and place of isolation when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,023). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD (p = 0,001). Management of COVID-19 patients is required to detect stressor factors and provide psychosocial support so that COVID-19 survivors can return physical and psychological health.

The Process of Leaving Abuse: Midlife and Older Male Experiences of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence.

Leaving an abusive relationship is a difficult process for all survivors. For men, this can be particularly challenging due to the current knowledge and support for survivors being heavily influenced by a feminist discourse, despite a growing body of research that examines men's experiences. This raises concerns about how men make sense of abuse, where they seek support for injuries and psychological distress, and what services are available to them to help them move on from abuse. Narrative interviews with 12 midlife and older men (aged 45-65 years) who had experienced intimate partner violence from a female were conducted with the aim to explore their journey of leaving abuse. The men's stories revealed themes of how they made sense of what was happening to them (legitimacy as a survivor and self-help), their experiences of service readiness to respond to male victimization (discrimination from police, legal system set up to support women, and service readiness for males), and how men can leave abuse (post-separation abuse and support from friends and family). Implications of the findings demonstrate that many services are still not equipped to support male survivors. The men in our study found it difficult to comprehend their experience as abuse and this is negatively reinforced by ineffective services and stereotypical beliefs about abuse. However, informal support through friends and family is a powerful tool in supporting men to leave abusive relationships. More work is needed to increase awareness of male survivors and ensure that services, including legal systems, are inclusive.

Breast cancer treatment receipt and the role of financial stress, health literacy, and numeracy among diverse breast cancer survivors.

Disparities in breast cancer treatment for low-income and minority women are well documented. We examined economic hardship, health literacy, and numeracy and whether these factors were associated with differences in receipt of recommended treatment among breast cancer survivors. During 2018-2020, we surveyed adult women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer between 2013 and 2017 and received care at three centers in Boston and New York. We inquired about treatment receipt and treatment decision-making. We used Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests to examine associations between financial strain, health literacy, numeracy (using validated measures), and treatment receipt by race and ethnicity. The 296 participants studied were 60.1% Non-Hispanic (NH) White, 25.0% NH Black, and 14.9% Hispanic; NH Black and Hispanic women had lower health literacy and numeracy and reported more financial concerns. Overall, 21 (7.1%) women declined at least one component of recommended therapy, without differences by race and ethnicity. Those not initiating recommended treatment(s) reported more worry about paying large medical bills (52.4% vs. 27.1%), worse household finances since diagnosis (42.9% vs. 22.2%), and more uninsurance before diagnosis (9.5% vs. 1.5%); all P < .05. No differences in treatment receipt by health literacy or numeracy were observed. In this diverse population of breast cancer survivors, rates of treatment initiation were high. Worry about paying medical bills and financial strain were frequent, especially among non-White participants. Although we observed associations of financial strain with treatment initiation, because few women declined treatments, understanding the scope of impact is limited. Our results highlight the importance of assessments of resource needs and allocation of support for breast cancer survivors. Novelty of this work includes the granular measures of financial strain and inclusion of health literacy and numeracy.

Social Media in Stroke Career Development.

Social Media in Stroke Career Development.

Predictors of alcohol and substance use among people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): findings from the NESARC-III study

PurposeThe self-medication hypothesis suggests people may develop Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Non-Alcohol Substance Use Disorder (NA-SUD) following PTSD as a maladaptive way of coping with PTSD symptoms. Given that an accumulation of trauma experiences and interpersonal trauma increase the likelihood and severity of PTSD, we sought to determine whether the number and type of traumas additionally predict AUD and NA-SUD following PTSD.MethodsWe analysed data from 36,309 adult participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) study (M = 45.63 years, SD = 17.53, 56.3% female) who were administered semi-structured diagnostic interviews of trauma exposure and PTSD, AUD and NA-SUD symptoms.ResultsIndividuals with PTSD were more likely to have an AUD or NA-SUD than those without PTSD. Endorsement of a greater number of traumas was associated with greater odds of having PTSD, AUD, or NA-SUD. Experience of interpersonal trauma was related to greater odds of having PTSD and subsequent AUD or NA-SUD than not experiencing interpersonal trauma. Multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma compared to one interpersonal trauma exposure also increased the odds of having PTSD followed by AUD or NA-SUD.ConclusionsInterpersonal trauma and multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma may result in individuals turning to alcohol and substances as a way to alleviate intolerable PTSD symptomology, aligning with the self-medication hypothesis. Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring services and support for interpersonal trauma survivors and for those who have experienced multiple traumas given their increased for unfavourable outcomes.

Supporting survivors of institutional child sexual abuse during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of not‐for‐profit community and legal organisations in Greater Western Sydney

AbstractBefore, during and since the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013–2017), not‐for‐profit community and legal services have been critical in supporting survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of community and legal service practitioners operating in Greater Western Sydney regarding the ongoing impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the service system for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 practitioners at 15 community and legal services. Through thematic analysis, the study identified five areas of concern regarding service provision and COVID‐19, including difficulties in navigating shifts to remote service delivery; changes in service accessibility; complications in accessing the National Redress Scheme; safety challenges for clients; and safety challenges for practitioners. The research identified a need for services to finesse frameworks that ensure remote services can be delivered safely for clients and practitioners alike. Priorities include adequate funding for technology and infrastructure, supporting survivors of abuse perpetrated online and encouraging effective coping strategies for practitioners who undertake trauma support work from home. Future research should consider how shifts to remote service delivery have impacted survivors of different demographic groups and the survivor support workforce.