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Why many victims of sexual violence do not seek help

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24 March 2025
Many victims of sexual misconduct and violence do not seek help. Shame, fear of negative reactions, and simply not knowing where to turn create significant barriers. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by victimologist and basic psychologist Valerie Pijlman at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Her research provides concrete guidance on making support more accessible and breaking down stigmas.

Why don’t victims seek help?

Whether it involves physical violence, such as rape, or online abuse, such as the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, many victims are left to deal with their experiences alone. 'They feel ashamed, guilty, or afraid they won’t be taken seriously,' Pijlman explains. 'Sometimes they downplay what happened to them or simply don’t know where to go for help.'

For victims of online sexual misconduct and abuse, the barriers are even higher. Pijlman’s research shows that they seek help less often than victims of physical violence. 'Victims of online sexual violence are often younger. They may think it’s ‘not serious enough’ or fear negative reactions,' she says. This points to a broader societal issue: the tendency to take online sexual misconduct and abuse less seriously.

This can have significant consequences for victims’ well-being. But what actually helps lower the threshold for seeking help?

The power of social support and education

Pijlman’s research shows that victims are more likely to seek help when they receive support from their surroundings or want to regain control over their situation. Education also plays a crucial role. 'By improving sex education and increasing awareness of available support options, we may be able to guide victims to the right resources more quickly,' she says.

A striking aspect of her research focuses on social media. Pijlman tested which messages were most effective in motivating victims to visit a support organization’s website using Snapchat ads. 'Young people often feel safer with anonymous online support services. By reaching them where they already are, such as on social media, we can lower the barrier to seeking help. Ads that explicitly stated that the victim was not to blame for what happened received a lot of interaction,' Pijlman explains. 'This highlights how important it is to reassure victims and break the stigma surrounding sexual violence, which often fuels victim blaming.'

From research to action

Pijlman’s findings align with ongoing societal discussions, such as the introduction of the new Sexual Offenses Act. Her research underscores the importance of accessible support services and stigma-breaking campaigns. 'We need to ensure that victims feel supported and know where to turn. This can be achieved through better sex education in schools, targeted online campaigns, and anonymous support services, making it safer for victims to seek help. Only by lowering these barriers can we ensure that victims feel heard and supported - both online and offline.; 

Through her research, Pijlman contributes to a better understanding of help-seeking behavior and offers concrete recommendations for professionals to better support victims of sexual misconduct and violence.

Pijlman will defend her dissertation on April 16 at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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