(Not so) Silent Survivors: A Qualitative Intersectionality Study on Asian American Women Survivors of Sexual Violence

Abstract

Sexual violence against women is a pervasive public health concern that significantly impacts women’s physical and psychological well-being. Despite the well-documented harmfulness of sexual violence, there is a dearth of research examining sexual violence against Asian American women. This study sought to amplify the voices of Asian American women survivors and expose the impact of interlocking systems of oppression (e.g., sexism, racism, gendered racism) on their experiences with sexual violence, wellbeing, and resilience. Using constructivist grounded theory guided by an intersectionality framework, nineteen Asian American women survivors were interviewed. Analyses identified two sets of themes. The first set illustrated how interlocking systems of oppression shape Asian American women’s experiences with sexual violence, including Dehumanization and Devaluation, Sexualization and Objectification, Burden and Pressure, Inner Conflict and Spent Energy, and Stigma and Blame. The second set reflected how survivors navigate oppression post-violence through themes of Sequelae, Making Sense of Sexual Violence, Disclosing, Reporting, and Help-Seeking, Coping and Healing, Strengths, Growth, and Empowerment. A socioecological model informed by an intersectionality framework was developed, situating Asian American women survivors’ experiences across socioecological levels and systems of oppression. This research extends the literature on this understudied population, highlights survivors’ resilience in the face of violence and oppression, and underscores the importance of honoring their stories as means to challenging systems of harm and providing culturally sensitive care. Implications for research, clinical practice, and interventions are discussed with participants’ recommendations integrated.