Social workers’ perspectives on practice with men survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Amelia Craig1,2, Alankaar Sharma1, Sera Harris1 1Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, NSW , Australia2Western New South Wales Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW , Australia
Abstract
Allied Health professions are a key group who encounter male Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivors within health and social care settings. In working with male CSA survivors, they offer attention and support, facilitate disclosure of abuse, and play an instrumental role in the healing process following childhood trauma. However, limited research exists that voices their perspectives. Understanding the perspectives of allied health professionals working with CSA survivors is essential because they significantly shape and inform practice with this client group. This qualitative study begins to address this gap by garnering the perspectives of social workers, a discrete discipline within allied health professionals. In doing so, this study illuminates perspectives of this group of allied health professionals that shape practice with men who have experienced CSA. Five semi structured interviews were conducted with social workers who have worked with male CSA survivors in diverse settings in Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified two overarching themes. The first theme, Leaning in centres on social workers’ perceptions of their role and highlights the importance of embedded knowledge, beliefs and skills that impact their practice in this specialised domain. A second theme, A gendered lens, identified how social workers’ accounts of gender ideology frame practice with male CSA survivors. These results contribute novel findings to our understanding of how social workers, and potentially other allied health professionals, navigate the process of disclosure and help men make meaning of their experiences of CSA.
Biography
Amelia Craig (She/Her) is a new graduate Social Worker, working in Western New South Wales LHD as a part of the Allied Health Rural Graduate Program. Amelia recently graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). It is through her Honours thesis, that has lead Amelia to find a passion for advocating for Allied Health professionals and the Social Work profession.