Disclosing survivor status to professional colleagues in organisations that address violence against women and girls

Cox, Zoe (2025) Disclosing survivor status to professional colleagues in organisations that address violence against women and girls. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Despite violence against women and girls (VAWG) affecting one in three women globally, the disclosure of lived experience of VAWG is a nuanced topic which presents complexities for the individual, amplified further when working in the sector as a professional. This study explores how staff in VAWG organisations view interprofessional disclosure of survivor status, and how survivors working in VAWG (survivor-professionals) manage decisions and issues arising from concealing or disclosing their survivor status to colleagues. This study was in two phases. Data was collected through a qualitative survey distributed to a range of VAWG organisations across England in Phase 1, and 11 qualitative interviews with survivors of sexual or domestic abuse currently working in VAWG in Phase 2. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and creative methods were used to support analysis and early dissemination of the findings. The findings show that while survivor-professionals often wish to disclose to combat stigma, to apply their experiences to their work, and to build authentic relationships with colleagues, barriers such as the risk of being seen as impaired by colleagues encourage concealment. The need to maintain professional credibility with wider stakeholders also deter disclosures. Additionally, the political origins of VAWG organisations, rooted in feminist values, often clash with neoliberal pressures such as sector wide professionalisation, impacting on how disclosure decisions are made and disclosures are received. This study identified the antecedent goals and outcomes for survivor-professionals concealing or revealing survivor status and highlights the complex mix of personal, social, and structural factors that influence disclosure decisions. It emphasises the need for clarity for survivor-professionals on how disclosures may be received in the workplace and offers guidance to both survivors and organisations on navigating survivor status disclosure.