You Spoke Up. What Happened After?
A study exploring what happens after abuse is disclosed
A research study by the International Institute of Trauma, Abuse, and Society is inviting participants to share experiences of what happened after disclosing abuse, stalking, or violence - particularly where this led to mental health diagnosis, treatment, or intervention.
What this study explores
The research focuses on institutional responses following disclosure, including:
Mental health diagnoses and psychiatric medication
Detention under mental health legislation
Interventions such as restraint or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
It aims to examine how trauma disclosures may be interpreted within healthcare systems, and the impact this can have on credibility, safety, recovery, and access to justice.
Who can take part
You may be eligible if you:
Have experienced sexual abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, or child abuse/neglect
Disclosed this to any individual or service
Were subsequently diagnosed, medicated, detained, or treated within healthcare or mental health systems
Are aged 18 or over
What participation involves
An anonymous online questionnaire (approx. 15–25 minutes)
Questions about your experiences of disclosure, professional responses, and any interventions
You can skip any question or stop at any time
Important to know
You will not be asked for identifying details; please avoid sharing identifiable information in free-text responses
Some questions may be sensitive or distressing
You are encouraged to take breaks, skip questions, or stop at any time
Once submitted, responses may not be withdrawn as they are anonymised
Support is available if needed:
Samaritans: 116 123
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222
Why this matters
Findings will inform policy, professional training, and guidance, aiming to improve institutional responses to abuse and reduce harmful practices.
