Exploring the experiences of sexual violence/abuse survivors attending a recovery group: A qualitative study of recovery and evaluation implications

Sexual violence/abuse (SV/A) is prevalent and more widely recognised, requiring improved, evidence-based treatments. Delivery of group-based support in SV/A services is common but often lacks evaluation. This qualitative study explored how survivors experienced groups and wanted their recovery measured. Semi-structured interviews with survivors of SV/A at 2 groups (N=13, female: 25-64yrs: mainly White British, heterosexual) were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Three overarching themes were identified including ‘anger’, recovery ‘in the company of’ others with ‘different destinations’. This work addresses and evidence gap and provides recognition of the need for evaluation with meaning for survivors and the potential for anger to be used in group activism