2024 Theses Master's

Sexual Assault and Rape in Armenia and the Diaspora: How Shame and Taboo Impact Survivors Seeking Justice

Almadjian, Christine

This thesis explains how values like shame and taboo impact survivors of sexual assault and rape in Armenia. It also analyzes how these values have transferred to Armenian diaspora communities outside of Armenia-proper.

The research investigates the barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault and rape both in Armenia and
within the diaspora. Interviews were conducted in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and Los Angeles, California, home to the largest Armenian diaspora community in the world.

The key findings highlight major factors contributing to the lack of reform, including deep-rooted social value systems, deficiencies in Armenian legislation, and the absence of trauma-informed training among law enforcement and government agencies. Interviews conducted with experts and survivors reveal pervasive issues such as social apathy, problematic terminology in the Armenian criminal code, and the continued failure of Armenian law enforcement to properly investigate assault.

This thesis underscores the significant barriers impacting survivors in Armenia, where access to restorative justice remains unattainable and the ability to regain a sense of normalcy post-assault is hindered.