ABSTRACT

Research shows disclosure of CSA is influenced by interpersonal, intrapersonal and systemic factors, but there is limited understanding of factors that may influence survivors’ decisions as to whether to initiate legal proceedings against perpetrators or not. This understanding is necessary to support CSA survivors who may wish to pursue criminal conviction. This study aimed to qualitatively explore decision-making around legal initiation of historic abuse for adult survivors of CSA. Participants were attending psychological trauma services in Scotland and were identified for the study via treating clinicians. Seven participants engaged in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were generated using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two main themes emerged: 1) awareness and preparedness for the legal process and 2) weighing up the possible outcomes of legal initiation. Six subordinate themes were identified. Like decision-making around disclosure, barriers and facilitators exist to legal initiation. Similar barriers included fear of harm and the impact of trauma on perceptions of self, others and systems. Similar facilitators included supportive relationships and increased visibility of CSA prosecutions. Legal initiation may require a distinct foundation of supportive factors, including information about the legal process.

摘要

研究表明，CSA 的披露受人际、人际和系统因素的影响，但对可能影响幸存者决定是否对肇事者提起法律诉讼的因素的了解有限。这种理解对于支持可能希望追究刑事责任的 CSA 幸存者是必要的。本研究旨在定性地探索围绕 CSA 成年幸存者历史性虐待的合法启动的决策。参与者正在苏格兰参加心理创伤服务，并通过治疗临床医生确定参与该研究。七名参与者进行了个人半结构化访谈。数据是使用解释性现象学分析生成的。出现了两个主要主题：1) 对法律程序的认识和准备，以及 2) 权衡法律启动的可能结果。确定了六个附属主题。与围绕披露的决策一样，法律启动也存在障碍和促进因素。类似的障碍包括对伤害的恐惧以及创伤对自我、他人和系统的看法的影响。类似的促进因素包括支持性关系和提高 CSA 起诉的知名度。合法启动可能需要一个独特的支持因素基础，包括有关法律程序的信息。类似的促进因素包括支持性关系和提高 CSA 起诉的知名度。合法启动可能需要一个独特的支持因素基础，包括有关法律程序的信息。类似的促进因素包括支持性关系和提高 CSA 起诉的知名度。合法启动可能需要一个独特的支持因素基础，包括有关法律程序的信息。