Virginia Woolf’s History of Sexual Victimization: A Case Study in Light of Current Research

Abstract

Virginia Woolf’s\rhistory of sexual victimization is presented in a case study format, and\rreviewed in light of the present literature on the impact of child sexual abuse\r(CSA) to human development. The methodology to compose the case study involved\rreviewing the works of Woolf’s main biographers, the author’s memoirs, and the\rgroundbreaking work of Louise DeSalvo, presenting data from Woolf’s diaries and\rletters, in which sexual abuse is disclosed. Woolf was sexually abused by her\rtwo older half-brothers. The abuse was extremely traumatic, and lasted several\ryears. The various mental health symptoms that Woolf experienced are consistent\rwith the literature of CSA. Woolf also presented some adequate coping skills by\rdisclosing the CSA publicly, keeping records of her depressive episodes, and\rseeking help. Like many incest survivors, Woolf’s sexual abuse was minimized\rand questioned by biographers. In addition to Woolf’s enormous literary legacy,\rher knowledge of psychology was impressive. She was a feminist, as well as a visionary\rin exploring the effects of CSA before other incest survivors. Understanding\rher life influences is advantageous, not only to literary scholars but to most\rreaders, and mainly clinicians and researchers are interested in the dynamics\rof sexual abuse.