Sexual abuse survivors often seek solace and support at work, yet even with the best intentions, co-workers and managers can inadvertently contribute to further harm. This phenomenon, known as revictimization, perpetuates cycles of trauma and undermines survivors’ efforts to heal. As employers, it’s crucial to understand the dynamics of revictimization to create a safe and supportive workplace environment.
Nance L. Schick’s Journey
In 2022, our Third Ear Conflict Resolution founder shared her experience of repeat victimization with Psych Central‘s Hope Gillette. From enduring childhood trauma to surviving a violent assault in 2014, Nance’s story underscores the complexities of victimization. Despite seeking support from her family and others close to her, Nance found herself trapped in a cycle of abuse that spanned decades. As an employer, you have an opportunity to help break cycles like these, but it’s a delicate process that you should not engage in without legal counsel
Understanding Revictimization
Revictimization occurs when a survivor experiences abuse more than once, often in different forms. For example, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may later encounter sexual harassment in the workplace. This recurrence of trauma can be deeply distressing and is alarmingly common. That is why what might seem like a minor infraction to you becomes a federal sexual harassment case.
Why Revictimization Happens
Survivors are not responsible for their victimization. Factors such as mental health challenges, lack of support networks, and previous trauma play significant roles in increasing vulnerability to further abuse. Abusers exploit vulnerabilities like these for their own gain. You must ensure your workplace culture does not allow such exploitation.
Contributing Factors in Revictimization
Minimizing the abuse, victim blaming, and refusing to listen are common responses that can leave survivors feeling invalidated and unsupported. Employers must recognize these behaviors and take proactive steps to prevent them from manifesting in the workplace.
Addressing Mental Health
Mental health plays a crucial role in revictimization, with existing conditions or trauma-related symptoms increasing vulnerability to further abuse. Employers should prioritize mental health support and provide resources for employees to seek assistance. You might not have a budget for mental health services, but you can always share information and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment. This includes:
- Encouraging employees to report incidents promptly
- Believing their lived experiences
- Offering empathy and understanding
- Providing access to appropriate support services
- Implementing comprehensive sexual harassment prevention policies and procedures
- Reinforcing mandatory sexual harassment prevention training every day
By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, workplaces can become safe havens of support for trauma survivors. These employees often stay where they can thrive and will reward employer support with hard work.
Conclusion
Revictimization is a pervasive issue that affects individuals long after their initial trauma. As employers, it’s our responsibility to create environments where survivors feel safe, supported, and heard. By understanding the dynamics of revictimization and taking proactive steps to prevent it, we can foster workplaces that promote healing and resilience.