Potentials for Improving Support and Care to Survivors of Sexual Violence - a Case Study Within a Multiorganizational Setting in Sweden.

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, exposure to sexual violence has widespread consequences for survivors' health and for their communities. There is still insufficient understanding of how to design support and care services for survivors in a multiorganizational context. This study aims to map and explore support and care for survivors of sexual violence from a multiorganizational perspective in Sweden, to identify and understand common improvement areas.

Method: This study was conducted within a larger project called Survive which aims to improve support and care for survivors of sexual violence in Jönköping County in Sweden. This case study integrates qualitative data from interviews (n = 34) and an electronic survey (n = 95) with participants from eight organizations that provide support and care to survivors of sexual violence. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The quantitative data from the electronic survey was evaluated to map the 'organizations' involvement in support and care provision by using descriptive statistics.

Results: The findings encompass four themes to improve support and care: 1) Systematic approaches to identifying exposure to sexual violence; 2) A need to improve the integration of existing supportive resources; 3) Need for an interlinked process for trauma therapy and long-term support; 4) The potential of developing capacity, competence and teamwork in trauma care.

Conclusion: It is essential to improve support and care for survivors of sexual violence by developing systematic approaches for identification of sexual violence, interlinked support and care processes as well as improved access and competence in trauma care.