When Sexual Violence Goes Viral

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since the popularization of the #MeToo movement, the prevention and management of sexual violence (SV) has become prominent in North American public discourse, including in the province of Québec (Canada). Despite such an important visibility in the public sphere, there is little scientific evidence of how nursing practice has adapted to the popularization of the #MeToo movement, led by victims of SV. Drawing on critical feminist theories, we describe the results from a literature review on nursing practice in the context of SV on college and university campuses since the #MeToo movement. A literature search was performed in five databases using keywords targeting nursing practice in the context of SV. In total, 45 articles were selected for analysis. Eight studies were added for their relevance (obtained outside the databases). Next, a reflexive thematic analysis inspired by Braun and Clarke (2006) was conducted. The literature review was then used to compare current practices in Québec. The results identify the persistence of numerous myths and stereotypes that contribute negatively to the credibility of persons experiencing SV. The results also describe the difficulty of public institutions to change structures aimed at preventing and managing SV in response to the popularization of the #MeToo movement. The results indicate the relevance of using an intersectional feminist theoretical framework to better understand the complexities of SV. Through our analysis, we show that, more than ever, the evolution of forensic nursing practice must be informed by political and testimonial activism driven by persons experiencing SV.