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Putting it behind? Young Indian victim-survivors of sexual violence and the quest for sexual well-being

Bibliographic Data

ID15099752
AuthorsSaakshi Saxena (Institute of Development Studies, corresponding author), Pauline Oosterhoff (0000-0002-2579-7138, Institute of Development Studies)
Year2023
Volume25
Issue12
Pages1597-1611
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2023.2183989
PMID36876881
OpenAlexW4323294366
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited28

This article explores if and how young unmarried Indian female victim-survivors of sexual violence in an intimate relationship reclaim sexual well-being within a context of systemic impunity with structural and intersectional gender inequalities. While legal and societal structures need reform, we seek to understand how victim-survivors use their personal agency to move forward, forge new relationships and lead a fulfilling sexual life. We utilised analytic autoethnography research methods to understand these issues since they allowed us to include personal reflections and recognise the authors' as well as study participants' positionality. Findings highlight the importance of close female friendships combined with access to therapy to recognise and (re)frame experiences of sexual violence within an intimate relationship. None of the victim-survivors reported sexual violence to law enforcement. They struggled in the aftermath of their relationships but also used their close personal and therapeutic networks to understand how to build more satisfying intimate relations. In three cases, this involved meeting with the ex-partner to discuss the abuse. Our findings raise important questions about gender, class, friendship, social support, power and taking legal action in reclaiming sexual pleasure and rights

Context (archaeology · Criminology · Domestic violence · Friendship · Poison control · Sexual violence · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Gender Studies · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year0,33
Citation span2023 - 2023 (1)
Citation velocityhistorical
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1
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