A Comparative Study of the Help-Seeking Behavior of Victims of Contact Sexual Violence and Image-Based Sexual Harassment and Abuse

Sexual victimization may have serious consequences for victims’ well-being. Thus, seeking support is encouraged and associated with positive outcomes. However, no research has compared the help-seeking behavior of victims of contact and image-based (i.e., noncontact) sexual violence. This study explores the differences in help-seeking behavior, and barriers to help-seeking, by comparing datasets from two online survey studies. The findings highlight that victims of contact sexual violence appear more likely to seek help, but also experience the barriers to help-seeking as greater. An exception is the minimization of the incident, which is experienced similarly by both. Future longitudinal research is recommended.