Exploration of sexuality in women after sexual violence

Emeline Pasdeloup, Chloé Duboc, Mathilde Leblanc

Keywords: Sexual violence ; Sexuality ; Women

Background:

In France, 15% of women report having been the victim of at least one sexual assault in their lifetime. The impact of such violence on health in general is well known, but the consequences for sexual health are poorly assessed. We can therefore ask whether such violence has an impact on women's sexuality, and whether taking their sexual health into account would improve their quality of life.

Research questions:

Exploring the sexuality of women victims of sexual violence after the violence.

Method:

Recruitment for this qualitative study followed a maximum variation sample strategy. Six MINI (McGill Illness Narrative Interview)-inspired semi-structured interviews were conducted. They were transcribed and analyzed using a method inspired by grounded theorizing.

Results:

The participants were all vulnerable before the violence. After the violence, they describe a collapse leading to negative cognitions, a loss of body image and relationship difficulties, all of which contribute to the onset of sexual difficulties. To regain a fulfilled sexuality, they all express the need for reconstruction. This is aided by the help of loved ones or professionals. But it can also be hampered by various obstacles, the main one being the lack of approach to sexuality on the part of the professionals we meet.

Conclusions:

These results are in line with the literature on the main sexual difficulties encountered by victims of sexual violence. They highlight the patients' expectation that this subject should be addressed spontaneously by professionals. It would be interesting to know what inhibits professionals from broaching this subject, and whether there are any specific aspects to be taken into account with female victims of sexual violence. This suggests the need to improve knowledge of sexuality among the professionals who meet these women, and raises the question of the need to provide them with more practical tools and training.

Points for discussion:

Include communication about sexuality in the initial training of general practitioners

Inform healthcare professionals of women's expectations that their doctors should broach the subject.