THE SURVIVORS' REFLUGE

Abstract

Sexual abuse is one of the major concerns in our country with a very little sign of moderation. People face workplace harassment, harassment in educational institutes, in religious institutes or in their own families. Pakistan is an orthodox, primarily Muslim country so conversation on sexual abuse is associated with shame and denial. Hence, prevailing norms and cultural obstacles act as a deterrent in considering sexual abuse as a concerning problem. Sexual abuse is associated with severe and persistent psychiatric consequences, which include insomnia, increased aggression, decreasing morale, academic difficulties, self-harm behavior, Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are prime treatment options for sexual abuse, whereas medication can be used as a secondary option. Discussions on sexual harassment is an extremely taboo subject, the acceptance of the survivor's sentiments and trauma is therapeutic to many people in a conventional society. would be designed to pay tribute to all the survivors and would help them embrace their experiences. It will be evaluating a sense of community among them and building a platform where they can voice their fears together. The design would be bridging the gap between human psychology and architecture, it would be a representation of how architecture can have psychological impact.