Secondary Victimization Following Sexual Violence: The Role of Personality and Empathy

Evidence suggests that secondary victimization exacerbates the impact of sexual violence and undermines victim recovery. This study aims to a) provide evidence of the validity and reliability of the Secondary Victimization Scale (SVS) and b) test the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between personality and secondary victimization. A sample of 285 Portuguese adults (aged 18-75, 86% females) completed an online survey. The original three-dimensional structure of the SVS was retained, and appropriate reliability was found – Minimising of Suffering (α = .87), Victim Blaming (α = .89), and Victim Avoidance (α = .85). High SVS scores were associated with greater endorsement of sexual violence beliefs and higher social dominance. Indirect effects of empathy on the relationship between agreeableness, openness to experience, and secondary victimization were also found. The SVS is a valid and reliable measure that enables further cross-cultural studies on secondary victimization. Raising social awareness of sexual violence is critical to protect victims and prevent secondary victimization.