Preventing the “Second Rape”

TLDR

Sexual‑assault prevention must also address secondary victimization, where survivors face victim‑blaming from system personnel, which can worsen trauma. The study investigated how post‑assault contact with community systems exacerbates rape victims’ psychological and physical distress. Most survivors who reported assault to legal or medical systems did not receive needed services, and these service gaps were linked to poorer health outcomes, whereas contact with mental‑health, crisis, or religious communities was generally perceived as beneficial, highlighting that negative community responses can markedly elevate distress.

Abstract

Although prevention efforts aimed at eliminating the occurrence of sexual assault are clearly needed, it is also important to consider how we can prevent further trauma among those already victimized. Prior research suggests that rape survivors may experience victim-blaming treatment from system personnel ( termed secondary victimization or the second rape). This research examined how postassault contact with community systems exacerbated rape victims' psychological and physical health distress. Findings revealed that the majority of rape survivors who reported their assault to the legal or medical system did not receive needed services. These difficulties with service delivery were associated with both perceived and objective measures of negative health outcomes. Contact with the mental health system, rape crisis centers, or religious communities was generally perceived by victims as beneficial. This study suggests that the trauma of rape extends far beyond the assault itself, as negative community responses can significantly elevate distress.