A Rapid Review of Conventional and Strengths-Based Interventions to Support Recovery for Adult Female Survivors of Sexual Assault.

Authors

Shanae Theunissen, Hayley Walker-Willams, Ansie Fouché

Published in

Trauma, violence & abuse. Pages 15248380261476694. Sep 29, 2026. Epub Sep 29, 2026.

Abstract

Sexual violence remains a major public health issue with serious consequences for adult female survivors of sexual assault (AFSSA). This review examined recent evidence on conventional and strengths-based therapies for AFSSA and identified key intervention components that aid recovery. Guided by Cochrane Rapid Review Procedures and PRISMA standards, nine databases and reference lists were searched for peer-reviewed studies in English from 2012 to 2022 that met eligibility criteria for interventions targeting AFSSA. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using the Rayyan tool, resolving discrepancies with a third reviewer. Data were extracted, appraised using JBI tools, and findings were synthesized using a narrative approach. Nineteen studies from eight countries met the inclusion criteria, representing four intervention approaches: cognitive trauma restructuring interventions (n = 7), experiential trauma-processing interventions (n = 5), compassion and mindfulness-based interventions (n = 4), and community-adapted and technology-assisted interventions (n = 3). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom reduction was the primary outcome across the included studies. Strengths-based constructs such as resilience, empowerment, and self-compassion were most evident in mindfulness interventions. Small, homogeneous samples, variability in outcome measures, and limited follow-up periods were common methodological challenges across the studies. Overall, trauma-focused therapies are crucial for addressing post-assault symptoms. However, interventions that incorporate strengths-oriented components may further support recovery by enhancing the self-concept, agency, and posttraumatic growth of survivors. Therefore, integrative models that balance capacity-building with symptom relief are likely to offer more sustainable recovery pathways for AFSSA.

PMID:
42811506
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 30 Sep 2026.

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