John Edmond Marsh, Thesis Supervisor Claire Mary Colebrook, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Poetry sexual violence consent intimate partner violence
Abstract:
The following piece surrounds the topic of sexual violence and abuse. In many cases of sexual assault, especially those in college, individuals misunderstand the meaning of consent and the harsh effects nonconsensual behavior can have on its subject. Because of the lack of knowledge about what constitutes this type of abuse, many people remain with a violent partner without the resources they need to get out of the relationship. I begin by sharing personal stories that intend to redefine the language surrounding sexual violence and further show survivors they are not alone in their battle. I discuss the expanding definitions and research regarding sexual violence, the factors that play into it, and, finally, suggest a more updated version of the term in common language. Then, the piece delves into seventy original poems, each written from the perspective of a survivor or another party involved in a situation of sexual violence. This is meant to break the habit of normalization by detailing, from a first-hand account, the unpleasant realities of this type of behavior.