The Survivors' Calculus: How University Survivors Navigate Healing Amid Institutional Betrayal.

Authors

Sara Wilf, Kalani Phillips, Laura Knittig, Leila Chiddick, Rachel LaPointe, Rina Rossi, Stephanie Kathan, Victoria Copeland

Published in

Violence against women. Pages 10778012261492325. Oct 07, 2026. Epub Oct 07, 2026.

Abstract

Student survivors of sexual violence face barriers to accessing healing resources. This community-driven study analyzed open-ended responses from 387 survivors using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. We introduce the "Survivors' Calculus," a framework describing factors shaping survivors' decision-making. We identified four themes: (1) Navigating Self-Realization, Self-Investigation, and the Repercussions of Reporting; (2) Seeking Emotional and Professional Support; (3) Managing Logistical Support and Concerns about Confidentiality; and (4) Experiencing Re-Traumatization through the Title IX Office and Police. Racially minoritized and LGBTIQA+ survivors reported added barriers. The Survivors' Calculus demonstrates how institutional processes place the burden of healing on survivors themselves.

PMID:
42842448
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 08 Oct 2026.

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