Experiences and Perceptions of Gynaecological Violence: A Descriptive Exploration of the Phenomenon from Survivors’ Standpoints

In the context of increasing movements against gender-based violence, resentment against sexism and disrespect within the medical field has gained attention. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, this study aims to provide a comprehensive description of gynaecological violence (GV) from survivors’ perspectives. The convergence of critical thinking, queer theory, and intersectional feminism underscores the importance of understanding diverse and marginalised perspectives as well as individual narratives. Nine participants from Québec (Canada) shared their stories through individual, semi-structured interviews. Phenomenology was used to analyse the deep and nuanced lived experiences, enabling the capture of the essence of GV. The findings first highlight the negative experiences faced by participants, encompassing situations where they felt deprived of choices, unheard, treated insensitively, dehumanised, abandoned, and gaslighted. The results then trace the line between participants’ negative experiences and GV, revealing how perceptions of violence are formed. Finally, a phenomenological description of GV is provided, offering insights into how the phenomenon can be personally experienced by individuals. This study bridges a gap in the literature, provides a foundation for future research and advocacy, and presents recommendations. It calls for reevaluating practices in gynaecological health services to ensure they are inclusive and respectful.