From an early age, intersex persons experience sexual violence and sexually transgressive behaviour. In addition, they experience structural violence associated with being intersex. Research by Act4Respect and NNID - Expertise Centre for Sex Diversity, shows that these experiences often accumulate and occur simultaneously, leading to long-term psychological strain. This is the first time this has been studied in this way in the Netherlands.
From an early age, intersex persons experience sexual violence and sexually transgressive behaviour. In addition, they experience structural violence associated with being intersex. Research by Act4Respect and NNID - Expertise Centre for Sex Diversity, shows that these experiences often accumulate and occur simultaneously, leading to long-term psychological strain. This is the first time this has been studied in this way in the Netherlands.
What is intersex?
The term intersex refers to the experiences of people born with a body that does not meet society's normative definition of male or female.
Exploratory research on intersex people's experiences
In this exploratory qualitative study, nine intersex persons share their experiences of sexual transgressive behaviour, sexual violence and medical violence. It offers insights into how intersex persons experience violence, in what contexts this occurs, and how recognition and appropriate support can contribute to recovery. Researchers Britt Myren (Atria) and Mir Abe Marinus (NNID) stress, "There needs to be more awareness among health and social care providers about the lived experiences of intersex people and the type of violence they may experience in their lives."
Sexual transgressive behaviour in different contexts
Participants reported a variety of forms of sexual violence and boundary violation, including unwanted touching or penetration (including in medical contexts), sexual pressure within relationships, online harassment or sexual comments, and verbal and non-verbal violence from family or friends. These experiences took place in different settings. At home, while going out, within relationships, at school or work - as well as within medical care.
An accumulation of experiences of violence
The experiences are rarely isolated. Often the violence began at an early age with drastic medical treatments aimed at 'normalising' the body. These experiences repeated themselves in other forms and contexts. This led to feelings of powerlessness, shame, gender stress and long-term psychological strain.
Normative pressure, power and control
Many participants spoke of the pressure to conform to binary notions of 'male' or 'female'. This led to medical interventions that were not always voluntary. Power relations between doctors, parents and young people made it difficult to set boundaries - inside and outside care. Importantly, these experiences were not always immediately recognised as violence. Several respondents indicated that they did not realise the seriousness and impact of what had happened to them until much later.
Social change and support
Many participants sought help for their experiences of sexual violence, often in the form of therapy or psychological counselling. For many, the coping process is still ongoing. Some are now happy in their relationships, but still carry the impact of previous experiences.
Respondents stress the need for more openness and awareness about intersex persons. Secrecy must give way to visibility. And control over their own bodies should lie with them - not with doctors. Greater social recognition, knowledge and professional support are crucial for recovery, safety and autonomy.
Important for professionals
Do you work in (youth) care, mental health, education or on policy around sexual safety? If so, this report is a valuable source to deepen your knowledge and professional sensitivity. This study is based on the experiences of the participants; this says nothing about the intentions of care providers, for instance.
