Nikita's PhD research aims to provide a detailed insight into one of the most prevalent, yet undisclosed topics amongst the South Asian community: Sex. Conversing about Sex, in any form of narrative, is a considered a taboo subject within South Asian communities, due to both religious and cultural beliefs; and so the idea of Sex as an object of harm (such as sexual assaults, rape, and violence) is therefore also a taboo subject. It is this ‘not talking about it’ culture, which is prevalent in these communities, which has left survivors of sexual violence feeling stigmatised and shamed, resulting in detrimental effects to their long term personal well-being. My project will explore some of these complexities, which include, but are not limited to cultural beliefs, customs, and religion.
Research Aims and Objectives:
- To decipher how and why females from South Asian backgrounds are stigmatised and negatively stereotyped after experiencing sexual assault and violence.
- To explore reasons why this stigma and shame still exists within modern day 21st Century South Asian communities, including why such crimes are often left un-reported.
- To investigate how these females are affected long term by this stigma and shame- and the effect this has on their personal well- being.
- To collect first-hand primary data that will allow me to gain insight into the effects of this prejudice and negative stereotyping.
- Explore the role that men play in this negative stereotyping and explore ideas and perceptions surrounding patriarchy.
- To raise awareness of this subject in South Asian culture and communities, by using the research collected to create awareness, providing them with a voice to act against this discrimination and prejudice.