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“We, undaunted, will never let our guard down. ” There are two of them. Two women, both from the Caribbean, both victims of sexual violence. Faced with injustice and the struggle to be heard, they decided to create a space for expression in the form of a questionnaire titled “Breaking the Silence.” Available online and anonymous, it is intended for anyone in the Caribbean who, like them, has been a victim of sexual violence. “Through the answers to the questions and the testimonies, our goal is to show what is happening in the Caribbean, but also to understand the needs of the victims,” explains one of the questionnaire’s creators. “The responses are completely anonymous; they help us better understand sexual violence in Guadeloupe and consider concrete solutions to support victims,” she adds.
“Your well-being comes first”
The 33 questions asked are simple and direct, sometimes with multiple-choice answers. Where did the incident take place? Was there anyone the victim was able to talk to? Did she receive support? Did she file a complaint? Each question aims to better understand the realities experienced by victims, identify barriers to speaking out, and guide concrete actions. As the authors explain, there are numerous objectives: “To analyze the impact of violence on mental and physical health, to explore mechanisms of recovery and resilience, assess awareness of existing support systems, identify gaps in support, care, or information, understand the influence of cultural and social context, and evaluate the role of those around them…” Through 33 questions, Les Inéteintes have put together a comprehensive study. However, they are aware that simply answering an online questionnaire—even anonymously—can dredge up difficult memories. Consequently, they warn: “You can stop the questionnaire at any time or choose not to answer certain questions. Your well-being comes first.” They add: “Sharing our questionnaire helps ensure it reaches someone who may have experienced sexual violence but has never found a safe space to talk about it. It also helps us better understand the reality of sexual violence in the Caribbean: its scale, its consequences, but also the silence and the obstacles victims may face. To move forward, we need testimonies, but we also need advocates.”
Survey and Contact Information
The questionnaire is available at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/262314440254044
“Nous inéteintes” is active on the so-called “social” media platforms Facebook and Instagram.
