Peu de recherches se sont intéressées aux questions du dévoilement d'une agression sexuelle. Employant quelques concepts de la théorie de la sociologie pragmatique, cette thèse de maîtrise fait l'étude des expériences personnelles des étudiant(e)s à l'égard du dévoilement d'une agression sexuelle. Il s'agit d'une recherche qualitative reposant sur les témoignages de onze étudiant(e)s de l'Université d'Ottawa qui ont vécu une agression sexuelle durant leurs études postsecondaires, et qui ont été amené(e)s à dévoiler leur expérience à une personne ou à un service d'aide. En analysant les résultats de recherche, il en ressort que les participant(e)s ont progressé dans leur appréhension de l'agression, tout comme dans leurs logiques de dévoilement, ainsi que dans les types de dévoilement (spontané, justifié par des motifs personnels, et justifié par des motifs altruistes) - trois notions qui sont introduites. Les résultats mettent également en lumière un aspect peu connu : les réactions qui peuvent ou non faciliter un dévoilement. Cette recherche permet d'apporter un nouveau savoir sur la dynamique des décisions qui mènent un/une étudiant(e) à dévoiler sa situation d'agression sexuelle, tout en ouvrant un large espace de nouveaux questionnements. (Abstract) There is little research focused on the disclosure of a sexual assault. Employing some concepts from the pragmatic sociology theory, this master's thesis examines the personal experiences of students with respect to the disclosure of a sexual assault. This qualitative research is based on the testimonies of eleven students from the University of Ottawa who have experienced a sexual assault during their post-secondary education, and who have been led to disclose their situation to a person or a help service. In analyzing the results of this study, it emerges that the participants have progressed in their apprehension of the assault, as well as in their logics and types of disclosure (spontaneous, justified by personal motives, and justified by altruistic motives) - three notions that are introduced. The findings also shed light on a little-known aspect: the reactions that may or may not facilitate a disclosure. This research provides new knowledge on the dynamics of the decisions that leads a student to reveal his or her situation of sexual assault, while opening up a vast space for further questions.

This research focused on the personal experiences of both male and female victims of violent crimes. The aim of this research was to explore how indigenous Black South Africans understand and deal with victimisation. An African epistemology was used to help gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of the participants. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling strategy. Five participants were selected for this study. Data was collected using individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using content analysis. The results indicate that participants attributed varying meanings to their victimisation. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

This research focused on the personal experiences of both male and female victims of violent crimes. The aim of this research was to explore how indigenous Black South Africans understand and deal with victimisation. An African epistemology was used to help gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of the participants. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling strategy. Five participants were selected for this study. Data was collected using individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using content analysis. The results indicate that participants attributed varying meanings to their victimisation. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

It is common knowledge that owing to their particular vulnerability children worldwide falls prey to physical and/or sexual violence in the home and/or community or witness criminal acts. Consequently children are called upon to testify in a court of law to cruelties or acts of violence. As a result of their developmental shortcomings and immaturity, children find the criminal justice system extremely intimidating and challenging. The importance of realising a justice system that not only affords an accused person the right to a fair trial but also protects and safeguards the rights of the child victims of and witnesses to the crime is thus indisputable. The purpose of this research was therefore to assist the South African criminal justice system in its on-going challenge to find a balance between the right of the accused person to a fair trial and the protection and safeguarding of the rights of child victims and child witnesses. The protection and safeguarding of the rights of child victims and child witnesses in terms of the South African Constitution, applicable domestic law and international instruments relating thereto were extensively discussed and shortcomings identified. Possible solutions to ensure that child witnesses and child victims are adequately protected and supported during the trial stage of the criminal process were advanced. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of an intermediary in assisting child victims and child witnesses during the court process. Comparative research on the protection of child victims and child witnesses in the criminal justice systems of New Zealand and Namibia were also conducted. Conclusions drawn from comparative studies were used to recommend appropriate changes to the current system. It is submitted that the adequate protection and safeguarding of the rights of child victims and child witnesses are dependent not only on sound legal principles but also on governmental and other involved stakeholders’ commitment toward the realisation of these rights. In order to give proper effect to the protection and safeguarding of child victims’ and child witnesses’ rights, it is proposed that the recommendations made throughout this study should be adopted and implemented. In this regard the role of an intermediary is crucial and the use of intermediaries should be promoted. / Private Law / LL.D.