1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«[T]his study aimed to: 1) identify the challenges experienced and strategies used by women when disclosing CSA [child sexual abuse]; and 2) document the role of CSA disclosure in their pathways to homelessness.» (p. 180-181)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The study sample consisted of 21 women having experienced both homelessness and CSA. Participants were aged between 29 and 60 years old (M = 45 years of age). Eighteen women self-identified as Caucasians, two self-identified as immigrants, one self-identified as Indigenous. Three women mentioned being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Participants were from nine different regions of Quebec (Canada): Capitale-Nationale (3), Bas-St-Laurent (3), Lanaudière (3), Mauricie (3), Montérégie (3), Côte-Nord (2), Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (2), Nord-du-Québec (1), and Montreal (1). Fifteen women were survivors of intra-family CSA (i.e., fathers, grandfathers, brothers, cousins, uncles), twelve were survivors of extra-family CSA (i.e., friends, neighbors, family acquaintances, strangers) and six reported both types of victimization.» (p. 181-182)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Within the feminist framework of rape culture, this study shows that CSA, and the victim-blaming and disbelief of CSA following its disclosure, are part of the traumatic experiences reported by participants, which triggered social exclusion leading to homelessness. In line with previous studies […], the women said that CSA was associated with much suffering and psychological distress that left indelible marks on their lives. In addition to distress, women’s narratives revealed that adverse social reactions to CSA disclosure and expectations of not being believed were the main triggers of the social exclusion that led them to homelessness.» (p. 188) Results also show that «[p]articipants had cut ties with their parents and fled their family homes, especially at a young age, because they could not tolerate their negation and lack of support during the CSA disclosure process. […] However, breaking away from families that perpetuate rape myths led these women to social isolation and precariousness, struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, financial security, food, and clothing.» (p. 189)