Socialt stöd efter våldtäkt

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the nature of social support from the rape survivor's perspective. Research has shown that social support is essential to the survivor's ability to recover from rape and that it acts as a powerful tool for the survivor to effectively deal with the PTSD symptoms that follow rape. The research also shows that survivors often receive or interpret reactions after a rape as negative. Hence, these reactions can be detrimental tothe healing process. Qualitative interviews with six women on their experience of social support after rape form the base of this study and Anthony Giddens terms ontological security, fateful moments and bodily self-management are a part of the analytical apparatus. Rape is commonly analyzed from a feminist perspective. By utilizing Giddens' theories, recovery-oriented views arise. Data show that rape survivors interpret reactions as positive or negative depending on who the person reacting is rather than what the reaction is. All but one of seven identified types of reactions can be interpreted as either negative or positive. Only emotional support was consistently interpreted as positive. Results suggest that existent Anglo-American research can be applicable in a Swedish context. Finally uggestions are made that further research should investigate effects of rape and conditions for recovery in uantitative studies that probe the PTSD symptoms and interpretations of social support by rape survivors.