From echoes of silence to whispers of hope: A journey with survivors of sexual violence

Authors

  • Pearl Cioza Fernandes STARTTS
  • Yvette Aiello STARTTS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/torture.v29i2.109332

Keywords:

sexual torture, rape, gender-based torture, narrative approach, violence

Abstract

This paper outlines the narratives of a female and male survivor of sexual violence.  It draws attention to the benefits of assisting survivors break their silence as a strategy to overcome the sequelae of shame that accompanies these acts. The two cases illustrate that both men and women experience sexual violation as de-humanising and assisting them to access and make meaning of their memories can be empowering. The need to develop a screening tool to assist survivors access treatment in a timely manner and further develop appropriate strategies incorporating both individual and group sessions is highlighted.

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Published

2019-10-30

How to Cite

Fernandes, P. C., & Aiello, Y. (2019). From echoes of silence to whispers of hope: A journey with survivors of sexual violence. Torture Journal, 29(2), 81–89. https://doi.org/10.7146/torture.v29i2.109332

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2019): Torture Journal: Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture

Section

Case reports

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