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Persistent Suffering : The Serious Consequences of Sexual Violence against Women and Girls, Their Search for Inner Healing and the Significance of the #MeToo Movement

Author

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  • Sigrun Sigurdardottir

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Nordurslod 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland)

  • Sigridur Halldorsdottir

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Nordurslod 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland)

Abstract

This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo movement is also examined. The main finding is that sexual violence causes persistent suffering for women and girls. In childhood and adolescence, the main consequences include a feeling of unbearable secrecy, threat and humiliation; disconnection of body and soul; great fear and constant insecurity; damaged self-image, self-accusation and guilt; experiencing being compelled to take full responsibility for the crime; as well as various physical and mental health problems, e.g., suicidal thoughts. In adulthood, the consequences are also multifaceted and varied, including vaginal problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, chronic back problems, and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, social anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue. In conclusion, sexual violence has these extremely negative and long-term consequences because of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. The seriousness of the consequences makes a trauma-informed approach to services essential to support the healing and improved health and well-being of survivors.

Suggested Citation

  • Sigrun Sigurdardottir & Sigridur Halldorsdottir, 2021. "Persistent Suffering : The Serious Consequences of Sexual Violence against Women and Girls, Their Search for Inner Healing and the Significance of the #MeToo Movement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1849-:d:499237
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julianne Holt-Lunstad & Timothy B Smith & J Bradley Layton, 2010. "Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-1, July.
    2. Sigrun Sigurdardottir & Sigridur Halldorsdottir, 2018. "Screaming Body and Silent Healthcare Providers: A Case Study with a Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Karen Birna Thorvaldsdottir & Sigridur Halldorsdottir & Denise M. Saint Arnault, 2021. "Understanding and Measuring Help-Seeking Barriers among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: Mixed-Methods Validation Study of the Icelandic Barriers to Help-Seeking for Trauma (BHS-TR) Scale," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Sandra M. Parra-Barrera & Nieves Moyano & Miguel Ángel Boldova & María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes, 2021. "Protection against Sexual Violence in the Colombian Legal Framework: Obstacles and Consequences for Women Victims," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-14, April.

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