Healing from sexual violence among young women in South Korea

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.