What it Means to be a Woman After Dark: The Experiences of Sexual Violence in Nightclubs and the Effects on Women’s Self-Perception and Behavior

Violence Against Women. 2026 Jun 16:10778012261458785. doi: 10.1177/10778012261458785. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

By analyzing online surveys completed by 22 women in the UK, this study investigates women’s experiences of sexual violence in nightclubs and the effects on self-perception and behavior. Through thematic analysis, findings reveal that nightclubs are often exploited as venues to target vulnerable women, taking advantage of them both within and beyond club settings. All forms of sexual violence were discovered to have short- or long-term effects on women; the most reported effect was anxiety, with self-blame identified as a significant consequence. The responsibilities of women are evident and discussed, and inadequate support from bouncers after sexual violence was identified.

PMID:42300584 | DOI:10.1177/10778012261458785