Breaking The Silence: Analyzing Child Sexual Abuse and Its Psychological Effects in Eishes Chayil’s Hush
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30996/parafrase.v25i2.10999Keywords:
child sexual abuse, psychological effect, traumaAbstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global issue with devastating psychological consequences for victims, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Extensive psychological research has documented the effects of CSA, focusing primarily on clinical outcomes, legal frameworks, and therapeutic interventions (Rahm et al., 2013; Mathews, 2019). However, less attention has been paid to how CSA is portrayed and understood through literature, particularly in communities where cultural and religious norms suppress disclosure. This study explores the psychological effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on the victims and their families through a qualitative analysis of the novel Hush by Eishes Chayil. The novel tells the story of child sexual abuse within an insular Chassidic Jewish community in Brooklyn, highlighting the unique challenges faced by CSA victims in religious communities. The study focuses on the psychological effects of CSA on the main character, Gittel, who witnesses her best friend's sexual abuse by her brother and struggles with the trauma and shame that follows. The analysis examines the psychological impacts of CSA on Gittel, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. The study employs a qualitative approach to analyze the novel, using close reading techniques to identify sentences that reflect child sexual abuse and its effects. The data is collected through a detailed analysis of the novel's narrative, including conversations, descriptions, and thoughts of the main characters. The findings highlight the profound effects of CSA on mental health and emphasize the need for increased awareness, support, and intervention strategies tailored to insular communities. The study's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological effects of CSA and inform efforts to promote healing, justice, and prevention. By shedding light on the hidden trauma depicted in "Hush", this research aims to raise awareness about the experiences of CSA victims in religious communities and advocate for greater understanding and support.
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