Living in fear
The psychological impact of the threat of sexual violence on women in India
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21739439 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Afreen Waseem (0009-0002-1743-852X, GITAM University, corresponding author), Naila Firdous (Aligarh Muslim University), Shah Alam (0009-0001-3629-6064, Aligarh Muslim University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1529-7489 • E-ISSN: 1530-2415 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/asap.70037 |
| OpenAlex | W4414398464 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
In today's society, women are increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence, whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. This study aims to explore how the perceived threat of sexual violence affects the psychological well‐being and daily behavior of women aged 20–30 in northern India, with a focus on fear, stress, and anxiety. A qualitative approach was employed, using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 women. Data were collected through text‐based online interviews, and thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and insights related to the psychological impact of sexual violence. Based on Trauma Theory, Cognitive Processing Theory, and feminist perspectives, the findings revealed that the fear of sexual violence led to heightened stress and anxiety, significantly affecting participants' mental well‐being. Many women reported behavioral changes such as avoiding certain locations and altering daily routines to stay safe. The study highlighted the role of societal norms and family pressures in shaping how women deal with these threats. This study also underscores the urgent need for mental health support for women coping with the psychological toll of sexual violence
Cognition · Focus group · Mental health · Qualitative research · Sexual abuse · Sexual violence · Thematic analysis · Gender, Security, and Conflict · Intimate Partner and Family Violence
Theorizing patriarchy
Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims.
Crime against women in India
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Gently shattering the glass ceiling
PTSD, mental illness, and care among survivors of sexual violence in Northern Uganda
Effect of physical mobility, decision making and economic empowerment on gender-based violence among married youth in India-Sawera project
The sexual street harassment battle
Sexual Violence Against Women in India
Sexual Violence in India
Politics of presence
Cartographies of sexual violence from Delhi to Hathras
Injustice Disrupted
Whither Women's Fear? Perceptions of Sexual Violence in Public and Private Space
Gender scripts and age at marriage in India
The Fear of Rape
Understanding the spatialities of sexual assault against Indian women in India
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |