Citation

Crowley MS. Women Ther. 1997; 20(1): 77-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v20n01_13

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The article describes a self-help group experience with victim/survivors of sexual abuse. By highlighting one group member's story of incestuous abuse and paternal pimping, the facilitator examines how her own thoughts and feelings about sexual abuse evolved from a psychological perspective based on individual survival to a better understanding of political, group resistance. The need to develop further a language of resistance that highlights both women's political and personal courage is discussed. The term "veteran" is offered as an adjunct to the use of "victim/survivor" because it connotes both honor and courage, providing a defiantly proud term with which to identify sexually abused women. As an addition to the discourse on victimization, "veteran" implies a political awareness of women's age-old struggle against sexual oppression and honors those who openly challenge die status quo.