Coming across a hidden problem in an excluded population in Sweden

Professionals’ experiences of young migrants’ disclosures of sexual violence

Bibliographic Data

ID15098253
AuthorsTanya Andersson Nystedt (0000-0002-9919-4321, Lund University, corresponding author), Pia Svensson (0000-0001-8752-2247, Lund University), Tobias Herder (0000-0002-8504-4031, Lund University), Benedict Oppong Asamoah (0000-0001-7308-1698, Lund University), Pernilla Ouis (0000-0001-8403-6534, Malmö University), Anette Agardh (0000-0002-1879-7244, Lund University)
Year2024
Volume26
Issue5
Pages621-637
Publication date2024-05-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2023.2234431
PMID37489949
OpenAlexW4385230827
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited19

Growing evidence suggests that young migrants are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. As young migrants often lack family and social networks, professionals are often the recipients of disclosures of sexual violence. This study aimed to explore how professionals experience young migrants' disclosures of sexual violence. A qualitative design was used, based on 14 semi-structured interviews with a range of professionals from the public sector and civil society in southern Sweden. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The overarching theme developed was 'coming across the hidden problem of sexual violence in an excluded population' supported by three sub-themes: 'linking structural marginalisation and vulnerability to sexual violence'; 'realising that sexual violence is one among many other concerns'; and 'taking pride in backing up young people betrayed by society'. Professionals expressed a strong sense of responsibility due to the complex vulnerabilities of young migrants and their lack of access to services. This, coupled with the lack of clarity about how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence, can lead to moral distress. There is a need to strengthen support for professionals, including recognition of ethical dilemmas and the establishment of formal connections between organisations making access more straightforward and predictable

Civil society · CLARITY · Criminology · Domestic violence · Environmental health · Poison control · Political science · Population · Pride · Qualitative research · Sexual violence · Social science · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Gender, Security, and Conflict · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Law · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology