Support needs of south Asian adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the UK: Perspectives of UK mental health professionals and key stakeholders

TL;DR

This study explores the mental health support needs of South Asian adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the UK, based on insights from professionals and stakeholders.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into cultural and structural barriers affecting mental health support for South Asian CSA survivors in the UK.

Findings

Barriers include practical concerns, language discrepancies, and cultural notions.

There is a need for culturally tailored interventions and improved mental health literacy.

Community and family support, along with accessible information, could enhance survivor outcomes.

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can have persistent emotional and behavioural consequences in the lives of adult survivors. In the UK, South Asian CSA survivor may face distinctive cultural and structural barriers to care. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of UK mental health professionals and key stakeholders on the treatment and support needs of South Asian adult CSA survivors. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews using interview guides with mental health professionals and key stakeholders working with adult CSA survivors and other trauma survivors of South Asian origin in the UK. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse data with the aid of NVivo software. We interviewed seven participants, including five mental health professionals and two stakeholders in the UK. We conceptualised our findings as a bilateral relationship between barriers to seeking help and the need to improve support. The barriers are an interplay of practical concerns around the background of professionals, difficulties supporting survivors, language discrepancies and specific cultural notions. There is a potential need to enhance psychosocial and informal support for the survivors in the UK. Help from families and within the community, as well as accessible, culturally tailored information for the community members could help. Improving the mental health literacy among the community and a better understanding of cultural needs by the service providers is a way forward. This research underscored the potential need for culturally tailored interventions and increased mental health literacy within the South Asian community and provided valuable insights for enhancing service delivery to this underrepresented population. Future research could incorporate insights of service users themselves, as well as include participants from more diverse demographic backgrounds.

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