Sexual Violence in History: A Bibliography

compiled by Stefan Blaschke

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First published: January 1, 2026 - Last updated: January 1, 2026

TITLE INFORMATION

Author: Sheetal Kumari

Title: Is She Still There?

Subtitle: Child Sex Trafficking, Traumatic Memory and Resilience in Mischa Marcus’ Film I Am Still Here

Journal: Cinej: Cinema Journal

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Year: 2025

Pages: 390-425

pISSN: 2159-2411 - Find a Library: WorldCat | eISSN: 2158-8724 - Find a Library: WorldCat

Language: English

Keywords: Modern History: 21st Century | American History: U.S. History | Types: Sex Trafficking / Child Prostitution; Representations: Films / I Am Still Here



FULL TEXT

Links:
- Pitt Open Library Publishing (Free Access)

- ResearchGate (Free Access)



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Author: Google Scholar, ORCID, ResearchGate

Abstract: »This paper aims at contextualizing child sex trafficking, trauma, and resilience from the atrocities of sexual violence based on the reading of Mischa Marcus’ film I Am Still Here. The analysis makes its way from violence, trauma, and PTSD to resilience through the cinematic representation of sexual abuse. The film portrays the experiences of a child who is trafficked and the subsequent impact on her psychological state, using non-linear narrative techniques and sensory triggers to reflect the fragmented nature of traumatic memory. This study also includes a conversation with the director, which offers new insights into her directorial approach to depicting trauma and recovery, emphasizing realism without exploitation. Through consulting the aspects of the camera and theories on traumatic memory, PTSD, and resilience, the paper analyzes the fragmented nature of traumatic experiences and how they subvert common media tropes. Further, it also discusses the importance of supportive relationships in recovery, highlighting how the film depicts the crucial role of emotional support in healing from the trauma of sexual violence. Thus, this study is focused on a survivor of child sex trafficking, delving into a deeper understanding of child and adult resilient behaviors in dealing with trauma.« (Source: Cinej)

Contents:
  Introduction (p. 390)
  Theoretical Framework and Methodology (p. 393)
  Cinematic representation of sexual violence against children and trauma (p. 394)
  Posttraumatic stress disorder and Layla’s traumatic memories (p. 401)
  Emotional support and (ongoing) recovery from the trauma of sex trafficking (p. 407)
  Conclusion (p. 415)
  References (p. 417)
  Appendix: Interview with Mischa Marcus (p. 421)
  Acknowledgment (p. 424)
  Disclosure statement (p. 424)
  Note on Contributor (p. 425)

Wikipedia: History of the Americas: History of the United States / History of the United States (2016–present) | Film: Films about child sexual abuse | Prostitution: Forced prostitution / Child prostitution, Sex trafficking | Sex and the law: Child sexual abuse / Child prostitution in the United States, Child sexual abuse in the United States