Our Wave: An Online Platform for Sexual Assault Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Laura Sinko, Olga V. Naidenko, Brendan Michaelsen, Cassandra Marzke, Madeline Hart, Brooke Tweedie, Kyle Linton
Primary Institution: Our Wave, Raleigh, NC, United States
Hypothesis
Can an online platform facilitate survivor disclosure and support trauma recovery?
Conclusion
The Our Wave platform provides a safe, anonymous space for survivors to share their stories and connect with others, significantly aiding their healing process.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 100,000 members have joined the platform.
- More than 1,200 stories and forms of media have been shared.
- 57% of story submissions included 'Messages of Healing'.
- 52% included 'Messages of Hope'.
Takeaway
Our Wave is a website where people who have experienced sexual harm can share their stories safely and anonymously, helping them feel less alone and more supported.
Methodology
Mixed-methods analysis of platform usage data and anonymous user feedback surveys.
Potential Biases
Potential for negative social reactions or trolling in online spaces.
Limitations
The platform may face accessibility issues for survivors with technology barriers or disabilities.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"Child (under 12)":323,"Teenager (13–17)":265,"Young adult (18–29)":291,"Adult (30–60)":209,"Older adult (60+)":10},"race":{"Asian":69,"Black/African/Caribbean":85,"Hispanic/Latina/Spanish":88,"White":526,"Other":0},"gender":{"Man":78,"Woman":728,"Transgender":28,"Non-binary":56}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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