LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of disclosing sexual violence to their supports - Findings from a NSW-based survey

<p dir="ltr">In 2021–22, ACON undertook the first comprehensive survey exploring NSW based LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of sexual violence, in conjunction with researchers from the University of Melbourne and University of Tasmania. In this briefing paper, we explore survey findings relating to participants’ experiences of disclosing (that is, telling someone else about their experience of) sexual violence to non-professionals, such as friends, family, and other<br>community members. We consider the barriers that participants faced in telling others about their most impactful experience(s) of sexual violence, and what was helpful and unhelpful about the responses they received when they did disclose.</p><p dir="ltr"><br>Disclosure is a vitally important step on many survivors’ pathways to healing and recovery. How a disclosure recipient responds can shape what happens next, and particularly whether a survivor goes on to disclose further, seek professional support, or report to authorities (Jackson et al, 2017). It is therefore important that survivors feel<br>safe and supported to disclose, and that responses to disclosure are sensitive to survivors’ needs. The findings presented in this briefing paper provide important insights into how we can ensure that responses to disclosure are helpful and supportive for LGBTQ+ survivors.</p>