Citation

Pereira, Matos M, Machado C. Psychologica 2006; 41: 119-150.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this exploratory study, our aim was to understand the experience of sexual victimisation by an intimate partner, especially the dynamics of violence, the consequences for the woman, and the meanings associated to this form of violence. Thus, a semi-structured interview was conducted with seven women who had been sexually victimised in their marital relation. Results showed that the sexual violence had become a reality in the early stages of the relationship, the coexistence of episodes of physical, psychological and sexual violence (mostly genital) being common. The majority of the women remained in the relationship where they were abused for many years (e.g., 10-20 years). Victims shared a great difficulty in anticipating and protecting themselves from, and reacting efficiently to the sexual aggressions, which occurred with great regularity. This was a widely silenced experience, frequently not recognised by the victims as a crime, except in extreme cases (e.g., atypical sexual and physical violence). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)