Safety Rituals: How Women Cope with the Fear of Sexual Violence

Authors

Luciana C. Silva, University of GeorgiaFollow
David W. Wright, University of GeorgiaFollow

Abstract

In this study we focus on how women's fear of sexual violence shapes their views on sexual assault and influences their use of safety strategies as well as how those safety strategies may restrict their use of time and space. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 participants who also journaled for one week on the topic of sexual violence. Data were analyzed through an inductive analysis approach. These women think about sexual violence as a widespread problem that affects them disproportionately more than it affects men; they engage in precautionary behaviors in a ritualistic manner; and their fear of sexual assault is restrictive. Safety rituals seem to help these women feel powerful, in control, and less anxious.

Keywords

Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault, Ritual, Fear, Survivors, Safety, Rape, and Rape Myths

Publication Date

12-4-2009

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2009.1377

Recommended APA Citation

Silva, L. C., & Wright, D. W. (2009). Safety Rituals: How Women Cope with the Fear of Sexual Violence. The Qualitative Report, 14(4), 746-772. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2009.1377