Abstract
Sexual violence within domestic and intimate-partner relationships is an underreported concern in Sri Lanka, with important psychological and social consequences. This qualitative study explored the reported psychological experiences, coping responses, and support needs of adult female survivors of sexual violence in the context of domestic violence in the Negombo Divisional Secretariat Division in 2024. Researchers purposively selected ten participants from survivors referred to the Mithuru Piyasa Centre at Negombo District General Hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews using a researcher-developed interview guide and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Four interconnected themes were developed: loss of bodily autonomy and coercive sexual experiences; reported psychological and emotional consequences; coping and barriers to help-seeking; and emerging agency and empowerment through supportive relationships and disclosure. Participants described emotional distress, fear, sadness, anger, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and difficulties in intimate relationships. These are reported experiences and should not be interpreted as clinical diagnoses because no standardized diagnostic assessment was undertaken. The findings highlight the importance of confidential, trauma-informed, survivor-centred psychological and social support within local domestic-violence services.
Keywords
- Sexual violence
- Domestic violence
- Psychological impact
- Coping
- Help-seeking
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Udugama, U. K. D. N. T. (2026). Domestic violence: A qualitative study in Negombo Divisional Secretariat Division, Sri Lanka. Eurasian Journal of Education and Psychology, 2(1), 101-115. https://doi.org/10.68283/ejep.v2.i1.a09