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Young Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Experience as Participative Action Researchers (PAR)

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Abstract

Purpose

Few studies have explored young child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors experience as Participatory Action Research (PAR) researchers, and no studies have included participant researchers who were survivors unknown to statutory child protection services, the latter, a particularly vulnerable group. This exploratory study aimed to trace the nature of engagement and discover the perceived practical benefits and drawbacks of PAR for survivor researchers who had conducted a study into survivor views on confidentiality.

Methods

The 8 PAR researchers included six females and two males, aged 12 to 20 years. All self-reported significant mental health problems, and 2 reported a learning disability. PAR participation was traced over 7-months and their views on their experience was sought through an online discussion forum and face to face interviews.

Results

PAR was found to increase survivor researcher self-confidence because of learning new skills and discovering others shared experience of abuse and isolation. PAR researchers reported a growth in trust with each other leading to further disclosure, and the seeking of support services. Drawbacks included sustaining engagement because of personal crises.

Conclusions

PAR is reported as an empowering process for CSA survivors, however, future research is needed into the relevance of PAR for the development of support services, especially for those unknown to statutory child protection services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eighteen and Under, Dundee, UK

    Laurie Matthew

  2. Center for International Education, University of Massachusetts, Montague House, 809 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

    Ian Barron

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  1. Laurie Matthew
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  2. Ian Barron
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Correspondence to Ian Barron.

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Matthew, L., Barron, I. Young Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Experience as Participative Action Researchers (PAR). J Fam Viol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00560-4

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