Work

Women's Experiences Accessing Mental Health Care in Australia After Sexual Violence in Adulthood

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: In Australia, at least one in every five women has experienced sexual violence since age 15. Research consistently links sexual violence with poor mental health, persisting long after the crisis period. Trauma-informed mental health support is therefore critical. This article draws on interviews with 29 women who had experienced sexual violence to understand their experiences accessing mental health services in Australia. Our findings suggest that, constrained by a biomedical model of care, mental health practitioners' understanding of trauma generally, and sexual violence particularly, may be lacking. Further, women struggle to navigate a "maze" of services.

Source: Violence Against Women

DOI: 10.1177/10778012231176198

Authors: Sandra Isaac, Elizabeth McLindon, Kelsey Hegarty, Laura Tarzia

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,250