Is sexual assault breaking women’s spatial confidence in cities of India? Some explorations from Varanasi city

Confidence (fearlessness) of women in the city is associated with freedom, equality, and a sense of control over, and possession of social space. Rapid urbanisation in Indian cities caused a transition in the societies and tended to uproot and challenge traditional values to provide equal opportunity to use spaces irrespective of gender. Adversely, it can be seen in women’s lives as ‘breakings’ that is continuously trying to break the courage of women in the process of socialisation. Therefore, it becomes essential to explore how and why the fear of being victimised and real victimisation of sexual assault undermines some women’s confidence, restricting their access to, and activity within, social space. The study is based on primary data of Varanasi City. It is further corroborated by the phenomenological approach for exploring the harsh victimisation experience of respondents in their own words. The study revealed that majority of the survivors received ‘negative reactions’ and ‘lack of support’ for the assault. These survivors were blamed for bringing themselves in vulnerable positions and were frequently told that they should have known better. Some survivors discussed a ‘lack of options’ as a reason for not continuing to disclose the assault. The study suggests that combating sexual assault myths, educating about the assault to avoid adverse reactions may help to reduce the trauma and increase the likelihood that victims receive the support.