How should I write about sexual assault?

Question

I'm writing a small book and there's a scene in which the main character falls against some brutal circumstances and is raped. I know it's never easy to write about it. However I want to show the reality of it but do so respectfully, especially to survivors.

I have been assaulted but never to the serious degree of rape, so fortunatly I lack the experience but it does make it difficult to write about. Its a difficult event to avoid in the book because some storylines later on lean on it.

I have done hours of research which includes looking at survivors personal experience, the psychological and physical effects and statistics. Non however lead me to a conclusion on how to approach the scene. I'll be thankful for whatever advice people have to give.

Answer 1

abc3643 | 1.5K opinions shared on Entertainment & Arts topic.

Master

1. Is this character male or female?
2. Is the character being assaulted by a male or female?
3. Consider reading "The Power" by Naomi Alderman. It is a disturbing novel - one that has a regular sexual assault early by a man with his foster daughter while the wife ignores what she knows is happening. That scene ends well and sets much of the tone for the book. Also, later, there are scenes of sexual assaults and rapes of men by women. All of this is rather dark, but excellent. This book has won numerous awards and accolades and is being developed into a 10-part series by Amazon.

abc3643

8 d
* 10-part TV SERIES by Amazon.

Answer 2

abc3643

* 10-part TV SERIES by Amazon.

Answer 3

Leavesbound

Xper 6

First write a scene recreating your assault experience. Use as much detail highlighting those actions that caused you the most hurt and do so in a way that would make the reader cry and become enraged at the person who did this to you. Then rewrite it changing the details as you were the victim in that sexual assault you want to write about. While it is easier for the reader to relate when you write it in first person, it can sound as though you are self serving when you do so when you rewrite it make sure you use second person which will often create more sympathy for the victim. Good luck.

Answer 4

RyanK9b

Xper 5

You chose a difficult and horrible subject.
From what I know is the experience paralyzing for the first moment, with rising pain and inner shame.

How should I write about sexual assault?

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