Psychological Recovery through Accessing Justice V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the experience of sexual assault survivors seeking justice through the submission of psychological evidence: a qualitative study reflecting on psychological recovery through accessing justice with the support of mental health professionals
IRAS ID
313209
Contact name
Claire K K Lam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Although the research on the impact of sexual assault on psychological dysfunction (e.g. post traumatic stress) is well accumulated, psychological evidence is not routinely considered by police investigators and prosecutors when preparing a case for court. Recognising this shortfall, a pilot project is organised by the Havens (a specialist sexual assault referral centre) in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to produce a Summary of Psychological Findings (SPF) Report, detailing psychological difficulties experienced by clients that are directly related to the sexual assault. It is hoped that this SPF report will build on medical and forensic evidence already obtained as standard practice to support clients at the Havens in their experience with the police and the CPS.
As there is limited research on how seeking justice affects the psychological recovery of those who have experienced sexual violence related trauma, the SPF pilot provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the direct psychological impacts of accessing justice via the completion of the SPF report. In addition, there is limited evidence on how the direct support of mental health professionals in the process of justice seeking influences healing. The aim of this research is to reflect on the impact of justice seeking on psychological recovery for survivors of sexual assault, using the pilot SPF report. The study will use a qualitative method to explore the subjective experiences of clients aged 18 years and over who have reported their experiences of rape or sexual assault to the Police and have accepted psychological support at The Havens, and has agreed to complete an SPF. It is hoped that the findings will help inform clinical approaches to psychological support for those who have experienced sexual trauma, and contribute to larger discussions on social justice and implications for psychology.
Lay summary of study results: 15 victim-survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police and completed an Summary of Psychological Findings report were interviewed. Two themes were developed, both of which relate to the conceptualisation of time as a marker of progress in the justice seeking and healing journey. The first theme Timing is Everything focuses on the individual level, where victim-survivors described two separate timelines for the justice seeking and healing process, suggesting they should be considered as entwined, and is influenced by ones perceived control over this passage of time. The second theme Time’s Up describes participants’ urge for systems and systemic level change, as despite years of feminist progress and reform discussions on sexual violence crimes, the criminal justice system continues to undermine the impact of sexual violence and underestimate the impact of pursuing justice for victim-survivors.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0586
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion