Unit 7.1 Discussion: Reactions to Survivors

 Imagine you are having a conversation with a friend who makes one of two comments:

“I just don’t understand why women stay in an abusive relationship.” OR “I don’t understand why someone would not report being sexually assaulted/raped.”

Select one scenario and discuss how you would explain the victim/survivor experience to this friend based on what you have learned in this unit in order to help your friend better understand the dynamics which occur after an individual has been victimized. Your answer may include a discussion of the symptoms of trauma, lack of social support, beliefs/stereotypes of victims, the criminal justice system, child welfare involvement, etc