Journey to Justice of Secondary Crime Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Multi-Case Study

The objective of the present study was to explore the lived experiences of secondary crime victims of sexual abuse in relation to their journey toward justice in regard to their personal experience, the effects that follow, coping mechanisms used, and institutional support systems they receive. This study used a qualitative multiple case study design to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews to elicit meaningful narrative accounts of the process of journey toward justice from the participants. The case units in this study comprise secondary crime victims of sexual abuse that have personally gone through the journey toward justice in relation to a sexual abuse case. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data obtained from the seven case units. The target population comprised individuals 18 years and older who were identified as secondary victims of sexual abuse cases. In other words, individuals who are parents, siblings, social workers, or grandparents of the primary victims of sexual abuse. In line with the objectives of the research, whose main aim was to investigate the experiences of the secondary victims of sexual abuse, the results showed interrelated themes such as: Emotional Distress, Institutional Delay, Institutional Support, Social Support, and Blame and doubt. The second objective of the research, which focused on understanding the long-term effect of sexual abuse on the secondary victims, uncovered interrelated themes such as: Lingering Emotional Impact, Fear and Anxiety, Sleep Disruption, Loss of Motivation, Protective Behavior, Resilience and Careful Decision Making, Family Disruption, and Trauma. The third objective of the study which aimed at investigating coping strategies utilized by the secondary victims to pursue justice despite the obstacles that they encounter included: Social Support, Distraction and Diversion, Distraction and Diversion, Divine Intervention, and Finding a Purpose. Access to justice-related services such as legal aid, psychosocial counseling, employment, and supportive communities played an important role in coping among secondary sexual abuse victims.