Barrier Breakers and Makers: An Intersectional Study of Teenagers’ Experiences with (non) Disclosure and Support Services Following Sexual Assault

Shiboleth, Tamar

Barrier Breakers and Makers: An Intersectional Study of Teenagers’ Experiences with (non) Disclosure and Support Services Following Sexual Assault

Shiboleth, Tamar (2023) Barrier Breakers and Makers: An Intersectional Study of Teenagers’ Experiences with (non) Disclosure and Support Services Following Sexual Assault. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

This thesis is the result of a qualitative investigation of the experiences of teenagers (‘teens’) in Birmingham following sexual assault. Specific focus is given to teens’ experiences with the disclosure of sexual assault, barriers to disclosure, needs from sexual assault support services (SASS) and views on how SASS can be improved for teens. Findings are derived from narrative interviews with teens who have experienced sexual assault (N=8), focus groups and group interviews with practitioners working for SASS (N=21), observational data (N=5) and a systematic literature review. As one of the unique contributions of this study an adapted theoretical framework, the ‘Intersectional Social-Ecological Model’ (ISEM), is introduced and utilised to improve understanding of teens’ experiences. Apart from relevant findings presented in this thesis, further unique contributions relate to methodological and ethical insights for enabling teens to exercise their agency when participating in research on highly sensitive topics, such as sexual assault. A strength of the study is the inclusion of teens from marginalised groups who are often excluded from research.

Findings illustrate the need to recognise how teens’ experiences following sexual assault are distinctly different from those of children and adults, as well as the complexity and diversity of these experiences. The data highlights the importance of an individualised teen-centred approach to offering support, along with the constraints in realising this method of support. Data presented shows how individual social positionings (such as gender, age, race, cultural identity, and more), and organisational and governmental protocols and laws, intersect to shape the impact of sexual assault. Findings further demonstrate teens must navigate disclosures within organisational/legal structures that attribute limited agency to them. For example, whilst some practitioners reported the necessity of safeguarding, most recognised it as a reason for non-disclosure, which was confirmed by the teen narratives.

Seven categories of barriers to disclosure are presented (practical, knowledge, social, cultural, emotional, trust and communication). Additionally, multiple barrier-breakers (peer influence, validation, good relationship with trusted adult, wanting to protect others, being asked, talking about sexual assault and consent, media representation, safe spaces, visibility of services), and potential strategies to improve SASS for teens are recommended.

In conclusion, this thesis offers unique contributions to knowledge which highlight that disclosure of sexual assault is currently not always in teens’ best interests. To mitigate the negative impact of sexual assault and its disclosure, teens require a tailored approach from SASS that removes the present focus on a forensic narrative and safeguarding. It is fundamental for a more inclusive teen SASS that interventions are multi-layered, culturally sensitive, peer-focused, offer safe spaces and encourage open conversations about sexual assault and consent.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 20 June 2023 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Teenagers, Sexual Assault, Support, Disclosure, Intersectionality
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific) CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-07 - counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-04 - health and social care > CAH15-04-01 - social work
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Life and Health Sciences > Health and Social Care Professions > Social Care
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2026 08:59
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2026 08:59
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17138