Healing from sexual violence among young women in South Korea

Chiyoung Cha, Mi ran Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Reports of sexual violence against young women have been increasing. Due to limited support, young women who experience sexual violence have difficulties in healing, resulting in long-term consequences for individuals and society. We used grounded theory combined with a Photovoice approach to explore young women’s experience of healing from sexual violence. From interviews and Photovoice activities of 29 participants, we identified a social process of healing that included internalizing anger, cutting off connections, reaching a turning point with support, restoring connections, struggling through individual internal processes, and transforming sexual violence into a stepping stone. The process of healing from sexual violence identified in this study shows commonalities as well as cultural and age-specific aspects from experiences of sexual violence among young women. In addition, this theory presented a new perspective on healing that contrasts with the past belief that disclosure is the key to healing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-61
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

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