Sexual Violence's Effects on LGBTQIA+ Survivors at the Scale of the Home

Abstract

Researchers in the field of geography who study trauma have looked at the way trauma shapes space and place for survivors of sexual violence. The majority of the literature has neglected the experiences of LGBTQIA+ survivors. To begin to bridge this gap, this thesis presents a qualitative case study based heavily on narrative analysis that examines the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual violence and their interactions with space and place within their homes.
This study collects data from LGBTQIA+ survivors at least 18 years of age who have experienced sexual violence by using an anonymous survey via Qualtrics. The survey data was used to identify trends and experiences that participants experienced or engaged in when interacting with the space of their homes. This allowed for a greater understanding of participants’ lived experiences with sexual violence at the scale of the home.
This study allows for reframing in thinking beyond the normative forms of gender and sexuality. By centering LGBTQIA+ survivors’ voices, research can begin to be more inclusive and provide clarity for the diverse ways LGBTQIA+ survivors interact with their homes. Participant responses showed that LGBTQIA+ survivors engage in actions such as “queering space” and “de-queering space” after experiencing sexual violence as a way to control the environment of their home. This group of survivor experiences can help pave the way for future research to be more inclusive.