Jennifer Freyd
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Articles by Jennifer Freyd
DARVO is now in the dictionary. That’s a win for abuse survivors Original
In October 2017, just one day before The New York Times published its investigative report exposing his long career as a rapist, Harvey Weinstein blew into the newspaper’s offices with a phalanx of lawyers.
Merriam-Webster adding DARVO matters
In October 2017, just one day before The New York Times published its investigative report exposing his long career as a rapist, Harvey Weinstein blew into the newspaper’s offices with a phalanx of lawyers.
Assessing Perpetrator Responses to Confrontation: Associations with a DARVO-SF and Posttrauma Symptoms in Two Different Populations
ABSTRACT DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) is a common tactic used by perpetrators of interpersonal violence to deflect blame and responsibility. Individuals’ exposure to perpetrator DARVO has previously been measured using the 72-item DARVO Questionnaire (DARVO-LF;). We aimed to identify and validate a short-form version of the original 72-item DARVO Questionnaire.
Replace betrayal with courage: Release all of the Epstein Files Original
In the Senate’s 51-49 vote last Wednesday, senators tabled an amendment that would have forced the release of the so-called Epstein Files. The files are said to contain interview transcripts, details about raids and more, including names of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein’s associates. Of great public interest is whether President Trump, or one of his associates, is named in the files and whether we are seeing a cover up from the White House. That may well be.
Trump’s tariff gaslighting has a name: It’s DARVO
Since announcing a slew of tariffs last week, President Trump has thrown the stock market into chaos and ignited fears of a recession. Now, instead of taking responsibility, he is gaslighting the public, insisting that the market’s plunge is neither serious nor his fault. When asked about the impact of his tariffs, Trump largely brushes off concerns.
Opinion - Trump’s tariff gaslighting has a name: It’s DARVO
Opinion Sarah Harsey and Jennifer Joy Freyd, opinion contributors Wed, April 9, 2025 at 12:30 PM UTC 3 min read Since announcing a slew of tariffs last week, President Trump has thrown the stock market into chaos and ignited fears of a recession. Now, instead of taking responsibility, he is gaslighting the public, insisting that the market’s plunge is neither serious nor his fault. When asked about the impact of his tariffs, Trump largely brushes off concerns.
Having the Courage
Having the Courage . . . to imagine possibilities, to move forward, to persevere, and to show up and speak up. Thatwas the theme of Claremont Graduate University’s 97th Commencement on May 11, 2024. I was invited to be the commencement speaker and to receive an honorary doctorate – two new and meaningful experiences for me that would probably not have happened without our work together at the Center for Institutional Courage.
Abusos sexuales en la infancia. La lógica del olvido. Jennifer J. Freyd - espacioLogopedico
El presente volumen explica cómo algunas personas que han sufrido abusos sexuales durante su infancia llegan a desarrollar, como mecanismo de supervivencia, una amnesia sobre esas traumáticas experiencias, en especial cuando dependen de sujetos agresivos y peligrosos. Asimismo, analiza cómo, ya en la etapa adulta, se recuerdan esos horrores de la infancia.
Former MSU football coach Mel Tucker uses toxic tactic to defend himself Original
Sarah Harsey and Jennifer J. Freyd Ever since USA TODAY broke the news last month about Michigan State University’s investigation into Mel Tucker’s alleged sexual misconduct, the former football coach has been playing defense. Statements from Tucker or his legal team have vehemently denied allegations he sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and activist the coach had hired to speak to his team about sexual violence.
August 2023 Courage in Action
I recently spoke with Dr. Caroline Heldman for The Representation Project webinar, “An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Freyd on Rape & Institutional Betrayal”. We discussed betrayal trauma, institutional betrayal, rape culture, DARVO, and institutional courage. Near the end of the webinar, Dr. Heldman asked me about the work of the Center for Institutional Courage: Dr. Heldman: "What research or data do you wish existed that would help activists and scholars to advocate against sexual violence?
Address campus sexual violence with courage
In January, trauma researcher and Stanford alum, Dr. Jennifer Freyd, a co-author on this article, gave an invited presentation to a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto. The presentation focused on the ways institutions respond to sexual violence, and how these responses often do more harm than good – particularly when victims experience betrayal from their institutions.
Institutional courage buffers against sexual harassment and betrayal in workplace, landmark study finds
A groundbreaking study that is the first to measure the impact of institutional courage and its role in buffering the harm of institutional betrayal has been published in the open access journal PLOS ONE. Read the study here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0278830 A team of researchers from the Center for Institutional Courage and the University of Oregon, led by Dr. Alec Smidt, conducted an extensive online survey of 805 working adults.
Institutional courage buffers against institutional betrayal, protects employee health, and fosters organizational commitment following workplace sexual harassment
Regression results—H4. In order to examine our hypotheses regarding an attenuation effect between institutional courage and institutional betrayal on workplace outcomes among those experiencing sexual harassment, hierarchical linear multiple regression was used to examine the unique role of institutional betrayal, institutional courage, and their interaction on each of the employee workplace outcome variables of interest, controlling for gender.
Deny, Attack, Blame: The Prosecution of Women Reporting Rape
Women who report sexually victimizing experiences in good faith can become targets of investigations—and criminal charges—themselves. In September 2018, a woman attending the University of Kansas spoke to police officers outside a hospital. At the urging of her peers, the woman (name withheld to protect privacy) reported she had been raped by a friend of an ex.
Defamation and DARVO
Violence and trauma are often central features of the news cycle, but some stories attract especially intense and sustained attention. In these instances, the media spotlight often stimulates energetic discussions about interpersonal violence in the public discourse. One such case is actor Johnny Depp’s recent defamation trial against his former spouse Amber Heard, which dominated headlines in the spring of 2022.
Undergraduates’ Noncompliance with COVID-19 Regulations Is Associated with Lifetime Sexual Harassment Perpetration and Sexist Beliefs
Appendix A COVID-19 Compliance Behavior Measure In the past 7 days, how frequently have you … . Gone inside a store to shop for non-essential items?^ Been within 6 feet of someone (who you’re not living with) for more than 15 minutes?^ Worn a mask over your nose and mouth when leaving your house, apartment, or dorm room? Disinfected frequently used items and/or shared living spaces? Completed a COVID-19 symptom self-check?
COVID-19-related institutional betrayal associated with trauma symptoms among undergraduate students
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Alexis A. Adams-Clark , Jennifer J. Freyd Alexis A. Adams-Clark, Jennifer J. Freyd Published: October 20, 2021 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258294 Figures Abstract Individuals are dependent on institutions (e.g., universities, governments, healthcare systems) to protect their safety and advocate for their needs.
Equal Pay at the University of Oregon?
Open Letter to the University of Oregon Board of Trustees From Jennifer J. Freyd, PhD, Professor of Psychology 5 January 2021 Dear Trustees, I am writing to share my concern about the UO’s handling of gender inequity among faculty, particularly in the Department of Psychology. I have worked at the University of Oregon for 33 years, and I deeply care about our institution. As I imagine you know, I have a lawsuit pending against the UO for the gender-based discrimination in pay I have experienced.
Isn’t high school bad enough already? Rates of gender harassment and institutional betrayal in high school and their association with trauma-related symptoms
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Monika N. Lind , Alexis A. Adams-Clark, Jennifer J. Freyd Monika N. Lind, Alexis A. Adams-Clark, Jennifer J. Freyd Published: August 19, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237713 Figures Abstract Germinal studies have described the prevalence of sex-based harassment in high schools and its associations with adverse outcomes in adolescents.
Institutional Betrayal and Rape Myths?" by Alexis A. Adams-Clark, Carly P. Smith et al.
Home > Dignity > Vol. 5 > Iss. 1 (2020) Authors Alexis A. Adams-Clark, University of OregonFollow Carly P. Smith, Penn State College of MedicineFollow Prachi H. Bhuptani, Miami UniversityFollow Jennifer J. Freyd, University of OregonFollow Biography Alexis A. Adams-Clark, M.S., is a graduate student in the University of Oregon's Clinical Psychology program. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Gender and Women's Studies at Connecticut College.
Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender (DARVO): What Is the Influence on Perceived Perpetrator and Victim Credibility?
ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Perpetrators of interpersonal violence sometimes use denial, engage in personal attacks on victim credibility, and assume a victimized role (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender; DARVO) to deflect blame. Two new experimental vignette studies were conducted to investigate DARVO. Experiment 1 (316 university students) aimed to assess the effects of a perpetrator’s use of DARVO on perceptions of perpetrator and victim credibility, responsibility, and abusiveness.
Institutional betrayal makes violence more toxic
Jennifer M. Gómez, Jennifer J. Freyd Friday Aug 22, 2014 at 12:01 AM With the news of another killing of an unarmed black American � this time Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. � by a white police officer, many people feel fundamentally betrayed. Police should be a source of protection and security, not the apparent perpetrators of racially motivated violence.
Why victims of Catholic priests need to hear more than confessions
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Joan M. Cook, Yale University and Jennifer J. Freyd, University of Oregon (THE CONVERSATION) Pope Francis has criticized U.S. Catholic bishops for how they handled the pervasive sexual abuse of children by predatory priests. He even called for a new management method and mindset in dealing with this crisis.
Why victims of Catholic priests need to hear more than confessions
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Joan M. Cook, Yale University and Jennifer J. Freyd, University of Oregon (THE CONVERSATION) Pope Francis has criticized U.S. Catholic bishops for how they handled the pervasive sexual abuse of children by predatory priests. He even called for a new management method and mindset in dealing with this crisis.
Why victims of Catholic priests need to hear more than confessions
Pope Francis has criticized U.S. Catholic bishops for how they handled the pervasive sexual abuse of children by predatory priests. He even called for a new management method and mindset in dealing with this crisis. Most recently, the pope summoned presidents of every bishops’ conference from around the world to come to the Vatican on Feb. 21 through 24 for a meeting on how to respond to the pervasive scandals.
Out-of-body experience
Author(s): Jennifer J. Freyd, (Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA) ...Show all authorsAbstract: Although prior research has indicated that posttraumatic stress symptoms may result from sex-based harassment, limited research has targeted a key posttraumatic outcome – dissociation. Dissociation has been linked to experiences of betrayal trauma and institutional betrayal; sex-based harassment is very often a significant betrayal creating a bind for the target.
Dangerous Safe Havens: Institutional Betrayal Exacerbates Sexual Trauma
Research has documented the profound negative impact of betrayal within experiences of interpersonal trauma such as sexual assault (Freyd, 1994, 1996; Freyd, DePrince, & Gleaves, 2007).
When the True Victim is Blamed
As the flood of accusations against powerful men continues to grow, people have begun to wonder why some of these men are forced from public life when their predations are revealed — and some are not. In particular, as noted by the Guardian when introducing a list of the 20 or so women who have accused Donald Trump of predatory sexual behavior: “The most powerful one of all has faced [no consequences].” Why this disparity?
When Sexual Assault Victims Speak Out, Their Institutions Often Betray Them
A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men -- the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men's actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it. When she finally does, will the outcome harm her even more? The story, a fictional composite based on real accounts in our research, is agonizingly familiar. The outcome is often worse.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
Harm can also mean failing to do that what is reasonably expected of the institution, such as not providing relief to disaster victims or failing to respond effectively to sexual violence. For instance, some victims of assault are punished or even demoted or fired for reporting the assault to their institution.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
When she finally does, will the outcome harm her even more? The story, a fictional composite based on real accounts in our research, is agonizingly familiar. The outcome is often worse. When sexual harassment and assault occur in the context of an institution – a school, the military, a workplace – the behavior of institutional leaders can become a powerful force in how the victim fares.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it. When she finally does, will the outcome harm her even more? The story, a fictional composite based on real accounts in our research, is agonizingly familiar. The outcome is often worse.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)Jennifer J. Freyd, University of Oregon(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)Jennifer J. Freyd, University of Oregon(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them - Odessa American: Wire News
(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it. When she finally does, will the outcome harm her even more? The story, a fictional composite based on real accounts in our research, is agonizingly familiar. The outcome is often worse.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)(THE CONVERSATION) A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it.
Insult, then Injury: Interpersonal and Institutional Betrayal Linked to Health and Dissociation
ABSTRACT Psychological trauma, particularly trauma involving betrayal, has been linked to health problems. Betrayal trauma is also characterized by dissociation and difficulty remembering as victims face conflicting demands presented by a harmful but important relationship. Institutional betrayal is related to, but distinct from, interpersonal betrayal and in need of research on its unique effects. The current study has two related goals.
Perpetrator Responses to Victim Confrontation: DARVO and Victim Self-Blame
DARVO Questionnaire A 72-item questionnaire to measure DARVO was developed for the present study (see for a complete list of DARVO items).
When Sexual Assault Victims Speak Out, Their Institutions Often Betray Them
A 27-year-old medical resident in general surgery is sexually harassed by two men – the chief resident and a staff physician at the hospital. She feels trapped. When one of the men’s actions escalates to assault, she struggles to find the strength and courage to report it. When she finally does, will the outcome harm her even more? The story, a fictional composite based on real accounts in our research, is agonizingly familiar. The outcome is often worse.
Sexual harassment compromises graduate students' safety
A professor repeatedly tells sexist jokes in class. The dean comments admiringly on a student’s appearance every time he sees her. A student’s advisor sends her emails with sexual pictures and innuendo. So what? Can’t students take a joke? Can’t they take a compliment? While repeated sexual joking may not seem serious, the truth is such acts fall under the broad category of sexual harassment.
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