Disclosing Sexual Assault: Understanding the Culture of Nondisclosure

My Sister’s Keeper: Survivors Disclosing Sexual Violence to a Sibling

“…This study was conducted using a qualitative design, which included a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. In-depth interview questions were used; examples of the interview questions are “Why did you decide to share the abuse with your sibling?” and “What did your sibling do that you perceived to be supportive?” The interview questions were created through an understanding of the literature surrounding consequences of disclosure, as well as familial roles and rules about discussing taboo topics (Barrios & Caspi, 2020). Due to the nature of qualitative studies, the questions were iterative; however, they remained within the scope of the interview protocol.…”

“…Nonetheless, race/ethnicity was not discussed as part of the disclosure decision process. Future studies should be designed to ask specifically about race/ethnicity, class, gender, and other social categories to better understand the culture of nondisclosure and disclosure decisions (Barrios & Caspi, 2020). The researchers feel it was a missed opportunity not to discuss membership in specific social groups as it related to disclosure.…”

“…More targeted questions around feelings of disclosure agency could prove useful in future studies. Similarly, researchers should continue to unravel the culture of nondisclosure (Barrios & Caspi, 2020) by investigating atypical disclosure recipients, such as siblings, and probing more directly around race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and other sources of diversity within individuals. Although some research is beginning to examine sibling disclosure (Crabtree et al, 2018), research that accounts for the benefits and consequences of disclosure within sibling dynamics would better explain the factors that inhibit or facilitate disclosure.…”

“…To better understand a survivor's sexual violence disclosure process, it is first necessary to identify the reasons for choosing whether to disclose (Alaggia et al, 2017), specifically in our culture of nondisclosure (Barrios & Caspi, 2020). In studies regarding sexual violence disclosure in adulthood, common reasons for disclosure include needing support, needing advice, or wanting someone else to be aware of what happened.…”

“…and "What did your sibling do that you perceived to be supportive?" The interview questions were created through an understanding of the literature surrounding consequences of disclosure, as well as familial roles and rules about discussing taboo topics (Barrios & Caspi, 2020). Due to the nature of qualitative studies, the Journal of Interpersonal Violence questions were iterative; however, they remained within the scope of the interview protocol.…”