Implications and Coping Strategies at the Intersection of Collective War Trauma and Past Sexual Violence Among Israeli Victims/ Survivors

• In Event: Victim-centered responses to political and mass violence

Abstract

War as a collective trauma can severely harm individuals' psychosocial well-being, disrupting their sense of safety, autonomy, and the meaning of life. War also weakens individual and communal senses of safety and stability, erodes social cohesion, and forces large-scale displacement as civilians seek security elsewhere. Research indicates that individuals with prior exposure to traumatic events may be more susceptible to experiencing distress when confronted with additional stressors, especially in the context of continuous traumatic stress, such as war. This research examines the impact of the October 7 War on survivors of past sexual violence (SV) in Israel, focusing on the intersection of the history of SV and the collective trauma of war. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses based on responses from 126 survivors to an online qualitative survey. It explores the impact of war on their mental and physical well-being and coping mechanisms. Participants reported a phenomenon described as "re-living the trauma," with significant deterioration in their mental and physical states, including heightened post-traumatic symptoms and disruptions in areas such as sleep, eating, and interpersonal relationships. The emotional and structural mechanisms exacerbating these conditions were identified, as well as protective factors, and suggested the address the unique to assist survivors during the war. These findings underscore the heightened vulnerability of individuals with a history of SV during periods of collective trauma, particularly during war, and emphasize the need to adapt frontline SV services to address health crises effectively.

Authors

• Keren Gueta, Bar-Ilan university, Israel

• Carmit Klar Chalamish, Bar Ilan University