Victimisation in the lives of lesbian-identified women in South Africa: implications for clinical assessment and treatment
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Inquiry Services Centre
Abstract
Few clinical studies have examined victimisation in the lives of lesbian women in South Africa and whether there are
distinct implications for psychological treatment. This paper presents the assessment and treatment of a
lesbian-identified South African survivor of childhood sexual abuse who, as an adult, was raped and later gang raped.
Her victimisation in adulthood represented ‘corrective rape’ motivated by the prejudiced assumption that the sexuality
of lesbian women is pathological and should be ‘corrected’ through rape. This paper lends insights into the role of
heterosexism in shaping vulnerability to victimisation and the process of recovery. It provides recommendations for
work with sexual minority clients and highlights the implications when there is an absence of safety and support in the
external environment.
Description
Keywords
South Africa, Corrective rape, Lesbian women, Clinical practice, Systematic case study research
Citation
Padmanabhanunni, A. & Edwards, D. (2013). Victimisation in the lives of lesbian-identified women in South Africa: implications for clinical assessment and treatment. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 23(3): 385-392