ABSTRACT
The chapter provides an insight into the nuances, complexities, and significance of study and research within the field of domestic abuse (DA) and sexual violence (SV). Secondary victimisation refers to the suffering an individual experiences not as a direct result of an incident, but instead, due to the responses of the individuals and institutions they encounter after the incident has occurred. The stark prevalence of male violence against women and girls on a global and historical scale influenced my decision to work and study within this field. The knowledge that many women and girls face secondary victimisation when navigating an oftentimes hostile legal system, inspired the development of the research focus. Building on previous research presenting the testimonies of female victims of male violence, the research sought to uncover professional perspectives, with the additional element of suggestions for improved policy and practice. Recruiting twelve participants from women's advocates to legal personnel, the findings revealed rich accounts of victim-blaming, stereotyping, and re-traumatisation of their female client's post-disclosure. Research in this field is essential for preventing the re-traumatisation of victims, particularly in a society where male abuse against women is commonplace. However, there are unique complexities to studying sensitive social phenomena which will be explored in full within this chapter.
