How Can We End the Stigma Surrounding Domestic and Sexual Violence? A Modified Delphi Study with National Advocacy Leaders

• Published in: Journal of family violence Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 271 - 287
• Main Authors: Murray, Christine, Crowe, Allison, Akers, Whitney
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.04.2016; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Advocacy; Clinical Psychology; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Domestic violence; Law and Psychology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Psychotherapy and Counseling; Quality of Life Research; Research methodology; Sex crimes; Sexual violence; Social environment; Stigma; Stigma (Social psychology); Survivor; Victims; Violence research; United States; New York; United States > US; Domestic violence; Sexual abuse; Stigma; Intimate partner violence; Sexual assault
• ISSN: 0885-7482; 1573-2851
• DOI: 10.1007/s10896-015-9768-9

The purpose of this study was to use a modified Delphi methodology study to identify priority actions that can be taken at the individual, local, and national levels to eliminate the stigma surrounding domestic and sexual violence. An expert panel of national organizational leaders provided input about the nature of the stigma surrounding domestic and sexual violence, as well as strategies to end this stigma. The findings were organized into three themes: (a) the social context of the stigma surrounding domestic and sexual violence; (b) the impact of the stigma on resources for victims and survivors; and (c) strategies for eradicating the stigma surrounding domestic and sexual violence. Implications of the study’s findings for research, practice, and advocacy are discussed.