The reactions of women who have been assaulted and their efforts to gain redress

Women who are subjected to violence are affected by the traumatic event but also by the resultant negative or positive social situations arising from the manner in which society works. The aim of this study was to investigate, against the background of a traumatic incident, the significance of social events that occur after the act of violence itself. The picture of victimization and how it is experienced is complex. Two case studies illustrate the attempts of assaulted women to gain redress, but they also show how this is made more difficult by secondary traumatization. An analytical model gives some of the factors in the process of victimization. Assaulted women react to the assault on the basis of their current and previous life situation at the same time as the extent of the assault and the relation of the victim to the attacker are of importance. The representatives of society, volunteers and family and friends act in accordance with the "status" the victim has been implicitly given, which affects the woman's autonomy and her own ability to act. Secondary traumatization caused by a negative attitude from various actors in society makes the process of redress and a return to normal life more difficult.