TY - JOUR TI - Experiences of Arab immigrant and Arab-American survivors of sexual violence DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T379434X PY - 2014 AB - Sexual violence (SV) is considered to be a serious public health problem, with far-reaching and enduring ramifications on the physical and psychological well-being of survivors (Basile, Chen, Black, & Saltzman, 2007). The extent to which factors such as family support, religiosity, and mental health services are relied upon as coping strategies by survivors of SV is greatly affected by cultural values (Bryant-Davis, Chung, & Tillman, 2009; Ullman, 2010). Arab immigrant and Arab-American survivors of SV are a significantly under-researched population, despite the increasing numbers of Arab immigrant and Arab-American individuals in the United States population (Abdulrahim & Baker, 2009). The central role of family in Arab culture, as well as traditional values regarding gender roles, may influence help-seeking behaviors (Erickson & Al-Timimi, 2001; Raj and Silverman, 2002). Mental health service delivery may also be subject to a number of specific barriers for this population, including socioeconomic difficulties, discrimination and language barriers (Ali, Liu, & Humedian, 2004). The purpose of this exploratory study was to collect preliminary data on the experiences of Arab immigrant and Arab American survivors of sexual violence. Participants of this study (n=12) were recruited through domestic violence shelters and Arab American community agencies located in different US cities. Given the linguistic, transportation, confidentiality, and shame-based obstacles to accessing this population, an on-line survey was developed in English and Arabic. Data were gathered on various facets, including incident(s) of SV, coping strategies, the extent of help-seeking and posttraumatic growth. The majority of participants identified the perpetrator as a family member, and reported disclosure experiences as unhelpful. Survey results indicated that participants relied most upon coping strategies related to emotional support, self-distraction and religion, and participants reported positive changes related to personal strength, faith in one’s self and spirituality. Respondents to the Arabic version of the study endorsed greater levels of nondisclosure, religiosity and collectivist values. Recommendations for future research include further sampling, conducting interviews with participants and investigating potential relationships between variables. Recommendations for professional practice include enhancing education about Arab culture, empowering the survivor within the context of family, and engaging in advocacy and outreach efforts with both formal and informal systems in the community. KW - Clinical Psychology KW - Sexual violence KW - Arab Americans--Crimes against LA - eng ER -