Deconstructing Meta-Narratives: Utilizing Narrative Therapy to Promote Resilience following Sexual Violence among Women Survivors of Color

Sexual violence against women is an ongoing social problem that carries serious social and health implications. Although a large body of empirical literature has documented the detrimental effects of sexual violence on women's mental health, the great majority of this work is devoid of considering the unique cultural experiences of women of color (WOC). WOC report disparate rates of sexual violence, coupled with racially biased treatment from providers and law enforcement following an assault, that make them especially vulnerable to mental health challenges. In this theoretical paper, we explain how Narrative Therapy is uniquely suitable for promoting resilience following sexual violence in WOC. Using a case vignette, we demonstrate how Narrative Therapy was used to foster voice and empower a WOC to frame their narrative into a storyline of survival and resilience.