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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Mackenzie Hoff-Bell

  • BA (Simon Fraser University, 2019)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Arts

Topic

Improving mental health service access for women survivors of child sexual abuse in BC, Canada. A system thinking perspective

School of Public Administration

Date & location

  • Tuesday, September 9, 2025

  • 10:00 A.M.

  • Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Walter Lepore, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

  • Dr. Sarah Marie Wiebe, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Megan Ames, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Andrea McKenzie, Department of History, UVic

     

Abstract

This study explores the systemic barriers that women child sexual abuse survivors (WCSAS) face when accessing mental health services in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Using an interpretive, qualitative, and system thinking approach, this study integrates the perspectives of survivors and service providers to uncover economic, social, cultural, and structural barriers to care. Semi-structured interviews with WCSAS and a mental health service provider (MHSP) informed a thematic analysis and the creation of actor and causal system maps. 

The study identifies key intervention points to enhance accessibility and recommends trauma informed, culturally responsive, and publicly funded psychotherapy services. It fills a critical gap in Canadian literature by centering survivor voices and offers actionable pathways for policy, programming, and system reform. This research advocates for equitable, long-term support for WCSAS across BC’s fragmented mental health system. 

Keywords: child sexual abuse; women survivors; system thinking; mental health access; British Columbia; psychotherapy barriers

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