This body
This body is
fragile
incredibly strong
This body evaporates in the whisper of a wind
This body gouges its way its way through
rubble
concrete
glass ceilings
This body falls apart
with its incredible will to live
Victim, survivor, post victim
Words hold great weight in shaping how we experience and make meaning of the world. In this chapter I reflect on the discourse around victimhood and the use of the words victim and survivor and establish the central term of this research: post victim. In line with this inquiry, a critical social psychologist Nicola Gavey recognizes the potential of reassessing victimisation frameworks, not only to improve support for those affected but also to strengthen the effectiveness of prevention strategies (2019).Therefore, critically examining and using these terms is not merely about defining terminology for this research but also holds potential to contribute to a wider discourse that rehapes the understanding of victimhood.
The terms victim and survivor are fundamental in the discourse around victimhood. They can be used interchangeably, but also in opposition to each other. Professionals in the field of sexual assault use both terms: victim is used when the event is recent or when referring to the criminal justice system, whereas survivor is preferred when the person has undergone a recovery process or when discussing the effects of sexual violence. However, it is also acknowledged that different people prefer different terms when referring to themselves. (RAINN, n.d. & SAKI, 2015).
Although, I address and propose terminology, I similarly acknowledge the importance of freedom of choice for the victims to use whichever term they identify with. Trauma in its nature, is a subjective experience. "The objective characteristics of trauma explain notably less of the severity of trauma derived stress symptoms than the victim's subjective explanatory models and estimate of their own chances of survival and receiving help" (Ylikomi & Virta, 2008, p.25, translation me).
Thus, it would be impossible to propose a “perfect term” that encompasses all victim experiences and identities. However, I find it important to critically examine the terms in order to reveal broader attitudes and beliefs about victimhood.
Continuing with the terms victim and survivor, they are often framed in opposition to each other. Criminologist Kaitlin Boyle and sociologist Kimberly Rogers summarize the general discourse well:
“Victim” and “survivor” identities are central to mainstream, activist, clinical, and academic discourses and are often framed in opposition to each other: “victimhood” is to be avoided due to its stigmatized, weak connotation, while the strong, agentic “survivor” is preferred (2020, p. 337-338)
The two terms are particularly portrayed as polar opposites in terms of agency, with the survivor seen in a more positive, active, choice-making light and victim as someone passive. Psychologist Sharon Lamb points out that viewing individuals solely as victims can lead to the expectation that they will suffer indefinitely and may generate scepticism about their ability to move beyond their experiences (1999). Similarly feminist activism has historically emphasized not viewing women as passive victims of sexual violence, but rather empowered survivors.
On the other hand, the term survivor can also be seen as limited as it risks putting emphasis on individual responsibility rather than social structures and other factors the individual is up against (Dunn, 2005). In other words, while it holds the potential to empower victims, it can also divert attention from oppressive structures, framing sexual violence as a personal issue to overcome or disclose.
the expectation that survivors speak out deflects attention from a cultural context that actively discourages women to speak up and routinely downplays, minimizes and excuses sexual violence, actively silencing survivors and causing many to doubt the veracity or nature of their own lived experience(s) (Fileborn & Loney-Howes, 2019 p.10)
The messaging around empowering victims can thus become counteractive to the work of second wave feminists who groundbreakingly established rape and sexual violence as a structural issue rather than a personal one. Activist discourse often navigates the space between the personal and the political, and both perspectives have faced critique (see Egan, 2020; Fileborn & Loney-Howes, 2019).
The avoidance of the term victim may stem from counterproductive attitudes that portray victims as overly self-pitying or unwilling to take responsibility for their lives (Lamb, 1999). I argue that instead of avoiding the term, we should reconsider our perceptions of victimhood. #MeToo had an irrevocable effect on our culture, as countless individuals spoke out about sexual harassment, thus expressing agency and mobilisation while claiming the experience of victimhood and paving the way for more nuanced narratives (Lazard, 2020).
Certainly, neither the image of the “passive victim” nor the image of the “active survivor” is sufficient to capture the range of victims’ experiences, precisely because they are typifications that reduce, rather than add complexity. (Dunn, 2005, p.24).
Lamb also suggests creating more acceptance for all aspects of victimhood (1999). I concur with this line of argument. I argue that sexual violence is a personal, political and structural issue and addressing all these aspects is important. I propose rather than having to choose between the polarized terms victim and survivor, to expand the perception of victimhood beyond passivity and helplessness. I recognize art having significant potential in contributing to more complex and multifaceted victim narratives. Creating After and writing this exegesis are my first contributions to this discourse.
Within this research, I propose the term post victim. The term post victim was first used by my artistic mentor, Finnish choreographer Elina Pirinen when discussing my work. My view of the term is influenced by our discussions around this research. I was unable to find any existing research using the term.
My proposal of the term post victim includes nuances of both victimhood and survivorship. Post victim is what happens after having been a victim and/ or a survivor. It acknowledges the fact that trauma experience does not have to define the now of the victim, yet it remains a part of their past forever. It indicates the event being in the past without the burden of having to be completely “over it", unless one actually feels that way. Post victim proposes a victim identity which allows all aspects of victimhood: passive, active, helpless, empowered and everything in between and beyond. It also allows for all the experiences of what happened afterwards: hurt, healing, struggle, recovery and everything further. It allows acceptance and freedom for the intricate life-flavoured journey.
I propose in my artistic research, and on stage through After, a postvictim body. All the movement research is derived from the concept of post victim. The movement research (see chapter Deeply personal in public) challenges central binaries in the victimhood discourse: passive/active and subject/object. In After the body is allowed to be vulnerable and frail but simultaneously the material demands a great deal of physical effort. The piece addresses the memory of experiences of sexual violence through the victim’s experience, making her the agent in how the narrative unfolds. After presents a spectrum of tones: tragedy, pain, sorrow,humor, pleasure. The piece does not shy away from the complexity of these nuances, nor the discomfort that can arise from not knowing what to think about it.
The term post victim, rather than limiting the discourse, aims to complicate and expand it. It proposes that in fact there are no right or wrong ways how victims should feel, speak or behave. The experience of victimhood should not be understood through a singular or linear narrative. Similarly, After refuses to provide an easy familiar depiction of the victim of sexual violence on stage. The piece ends with inviting the audience to describe their experience in a few words. The term post victim and the depiction of it in After boil down to a simple message of; even though it is not easy or comfortable we need to talk about this. The right words might not yet exist, but we need to try and go through the awkwardness, uncomfort and ambiguity.
"people identities, categories and labels are always partial and never adequately sum up the entirety of an person or their experiences" (Egan, 2020, p. 10). I do not seek to replace the terms victim or survivor, but rather propose post victim as an additional term, an option that may help expand the currently limited vocabulary available for describing victimhood.