by Tehan Dukaye, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
When creating resources for those who experienced sexual violence, it is important that providers and organizations think about how these resources can best help survivors.This is especially true when providing any type of information in written materials. When developing written materials, providers must keep in mind the importance of using plain language. But, what is plain language and why is it necessary to use it when creating resources for survivors?
Plain language is clear and effective communication. It allows your audience to understand what is being said or written. (PLAIN, 2024). Using plain language is helpful because it makes information more accessible to others, especially when discussing confusing or complicated topics. It is also important to use plain language in written resources, such as webpages, fact sheets, or brochures, created for sexual abuse survivors. Survivors seeking help may feel lost, distracted, and unsure of what to do next. Reading complex information may cause more stress to already overwhelmed survivors.
There are also additional barriers survivors may face. For example, a survivor may not speak, write, or understand English as their first language. They may have disabilities that make it harder to read or understand written information. For survivors who can read and understand English, it can be hard to take in complex information, especially after experiencing a crisis situation. Using plain language in written resources can stop some added stress for survivors. It takes into consideration that not all readers may understand written information the same way. Most importantly, plain language gives survivors the necessary information they need in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Below are some tips to make information understandable and useful for everyone (PLAIN, 2024;Vera, 2019):
Share important information first (such as how to contact a crisis hotline or where to find a rape crisis center).
It is also important to know your audience when using plain language. What information does your audience already know? What kind of information will they need? What kind of questions do you think they will ask? (Vera, 2019). When creating resources for survivors, do not assume your audience may already know something that you know.
Using plain language in sexual violence resources is not just important for survivors; it can also help anyone interested in learning more about sexual violence in general. Explaining clearly and effectively the seriousness of sexual violence, or how someone can prevent sexual violence, could make a better and more lasting impression on a reader than information that uses complicated or academic words and explains concepts and ideas poorly.
All survivors need to know that there are resources available. However, if survivors are unable to understand what is provided in the resources that are meant to help, it can prevent survivors from getting the care they need. Using plain language makes sure that survivors know how and where to get help and find support as they heal.
If you would like to learn more about using plain language, there are several resources that can help:
Plain Language for Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Harassment (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
Using Plain Language to Enhance Trauma-Informed Practices (Activating Change)
Plain Language: Getting Started or Brushing Up (National Institute of Health)
References
Allen, Katie. (2019). Plain Language: A Brief Introduction. Center on Victimization and Safety, Vera Institute of Justice. Found here.
What is Plain Language? (2024) PLAIN. Found here.
