Through experiments, workshops, guided tours and lectures, researchers share their knowledge during Utrecht Science Week (USW). One of them is Iva Bicanic, Professor of Child Sexual Abuse: Consequences and Treatment at UMC Utrecht.
“Child sexual abuse is a persistent social problem that is deeply intertwined with power imbalances, social norms, loyalty and cultures of silence. It has serious consequences and entails high societal costs and is shrouded in shame and secrecy. To tackle this complex issue, broad-based change is needed. The most important thing is that it becomes a topic of discussion, that the silence is broken. My message is this: child sexual abuse is not normal, but we simply must talk about it. We need to better understand what sexual abuse is, how we can encourage children to talk about secrets at an earlier stage, and how we as adults should respond. These are slow processes of change that can succeed if the insights from research reach children, parents, teachers, care workers, policymakers and the public, rather than remaining confined within the walls of a university or hospital.”
“I notice this when research helps people to understand themselves better and societal attitudes change. Knowledge about the harmful effects of victim blaming, the fact that freezing can be an automatic physical response to danger, and that genital responses can occur automatically during sexual abuse, leads to greater understanding and less judgement. When that knowledge offers victims a sense of recognition, helps professionals to connect with them more effectively and breaks down taboos, I can see how scientific knowledge makes an impact. I find it just as valuable when parents say in the consultation room: ‘Now I finally understand why my child didn’t say anything to us for so long.’ That’s when science takes on immediate social significance.”
“Because silence is often part of the problem. There are many misconceptions about the sexual abuse of boys and men. For instance, it is often thought that it is rare or less serious than in the case of girls. As a result, many boys and men are not seen, heard and sometimes not helped either. Research can help dispel these myths. But that will only succeed if we engage in dialogue with the public. It is precisely with sensitive topics that knowledge can contribute to recognition, understanding and lowering the barriers to seeking help.”
“Science is not a one-way street. When I talk to people who have experienced things first-hand, I hear different perspectives and questions. People with experiential knowledge play an indispensable role in research into sexual misconduct. Sometimes they reveal blind spots or highlight topics that have not yet been sufficiently researched. These conversations make research more relevant and focused. That is why the STEM panel was set up, to which nearly 1,500 people with experiential knowledge have now registered. They participate anonymously in research and thus contribute to new knowledge about the impact of and approaches to sexual misconduct.”
“Because science ultimately has a public mandate. Much research is made possible by public funding and is intended to better understand and address societal issues. It is therefore part of our responsibility to explain what we do, what we know and what we do not yet know. Festivals and public events offer an opportunity, as they give rise to fruitful discussions, new insights and, at times, research questions. Moreover, I believe that science becomes stronger when it is visible, accessible and connected to the society for which it is intended.”
Iva Bicanic is Professor of ‘Child Sexual Abuse: Consequences and Treatment’ at Utrecht University, affiliated with UMC Utrecht. She will be appearing at the Betweterfestival on 25 September at Tivoli Vredenburg, alongside several other speakers. Visit the website for more information about the various activities taking place during Utrecht Science Week and book your tickets for the Betweterfestival straight away.
