Healing: A Bridge with a View – Sexual Violence and Trauma Survivors’ Stories from Oral History Interviews

By Eunice Kim

 

This thesis presents original stories from sexual violence and trauma survivors. By using oral history methodology, the paper examines and discovers how memories are processed in regards to trauma, pain, suffering, aftermath experiences, and oppression. Importantly, the narratives presented in the paper explore healing as a non-linear process, and how survivors shape and hold different meanings of healing based on their personal experiences. The paper explains why deep listening is crucial in cultivating empathy and building a stronger community, which help the healing process for survivors. Its aim is to elevate the voices of survivors and regain control of their narratives.

Here is an excerpt of the thesis:

Conclusion

 

Eunice Kim is an oral historian and a human rights activist. She studied Oral History at Columbia University. After experiencing her own personal trauma, she aspires to make a difference through storytelling. She approaches oral history as a creative platform in which interviews offer time and space for interviewer and narrator to come together to share their forms of artistry.