Abstract
Can a digital intervention boost resilience in informal networks of survivors of sexual violence?
Background: 1 in 5 women and 1 in 25 men in England and Wales experience sexual violence in their lifetimes1, with significant and long-lasting effects on wellbeing. Most survivors rely on support from friends and family members (informal supporters), who may not know how best to respond. Secondary trauma arising from providing support can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of informal supporters and may undermine their ability to assist a survivor’s healing and recovery. This research aims to address the current gap in evidence-based interventions for bolstering informal networks in this context.
Method: This multi-method project, grounded in an ecological view of trauma and recovery2, will first gather stakeholder views to identify how best to meet the needs of informal supporters. This evidence will be used to co-develop an intervention with and for informal supporters, in line with existing best practice guidance on designing complex interventions. The final stage of the project will feasibility test the intervention and trial procedures for acceptability and efficacy.
Impact and implications:
This research will:
· Evidence the experiences and needs of informal supporters in a UK context and develop a theory of change to guide further research and practice.
· Co-Produce resources which aid informal supporters to build their own resilience and increase their effectiveness in promoting recovery for survivors.
· Explore the feasibility of digital intervention delivery and its potential to overcome barriers to service access for this population
1 Office for National Statistics (2021) Sexual offences in England and Wales overview: year ending March 2020 [online] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/sexualoffencesinenglandandwalesoverview/march2020#sexual-offences-in-england-and-wales-data 2 Harvey, M. R. (1996). An ecological view of psychological trauma and trauma recovery. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(1), 3–23. doi:10.1002/jts.2490090103
Background: 1 in 5 women and 1 in 25 men in England and Wales experience sexual violence in their lifetimes1, with significant and long-lasting effects on wellbeing. Most survivors rely on support from friends and family members (informal supporters), who may not know how best to respond. Secondary trauma arising from providing support can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of informal supporters and may undermine their ability to assist a survivor’s healing and recovery. This research aims to address the current gap in evidence-based interventions for bolstering informal networks in this context.
Method: This multi-method project, grounded in an ecological view of trauma and recovery2, will first gather stakeholder views to identify how best to meet the needs of informal supporters. This evidence will be used to co-develop an intervention with and for informal supporters, in line with existing best practice guidance on designing complex interventions. The final stage of the project will feasibility test the intervention and trial procedures for acceptability and efficacy.
Impact and implications:
This research will:
· Evidence the experiences and needs of informal supporters in a UK context and develop a theory of change to guide further research and practice.
· Co-Produce resources which aid informal supporters to build their own resilience and increase their effectiveness in promoting recovery for survivors.
· Explore the feasibility of digital intervention delivery and its potential to overcome barriers to service access for this population
1 Office for National Statistics (2021) Sexual offences in England and Wales overview: year ending March 2020 [online] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/sexualoffencesinenglandandwalesoverview/march2020#sexual-offences-in-england-and-wales-data 2 Harvey, M. R. (1996). An ecological view of psychological trauma and trauma recovery. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(1), 3–23. doi:10.1002/jts.2490090103
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 25 Mar 2022 |
| Event | Centre for Intelligent Healthcare PGR mini-symposium - Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom Duration: 25 Mar 2022 → 25 Mar 2022 |
Other
| Other | Centre for Intelligent Healthcare PGR mini-symposium |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CIH PGR Mini-Symposium |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Coventry |
| Period | 25/03/22 → 25/03/22 |
