Unveiling the Shadows: Examining the Echoes of Gender-based Violence and Trauma in Anuradha Roy’s Sleeping on Jupiter

Gender-based violence encompasses a range of violent behaviours, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, often rooted in asymmetrical power dynamics between the genders and societal norms that perpetuate discrimination, leading to far-reaching social and political ramifications. GBV can affect anyone, regardless of gender, but it predominantly impacts women and girls. Anuradha Roy's Sleeping on Jupiter (2015), is a poignant work of fiction that documents the haunting and perturbing experiences of violence of Nomi, the protagonist, and maps her journey from victimhood to survival. Throughout the narrative, gender-based violence is a central theme that highlights the pervasive and often insidious nature of violence against women in society. It also resonates that the trauma inflicted by such violence affects relationships and personal identities. The psychological consequences of gender-based violence are portrayed through the characters’ struggles with trauma, shame, and fear. This nuanced portrayal emphasises that gender-based violence cannot be understood in isolation from broader social issues. The proposed paper seeks to examine the detrimental consequences of pervasive physical, sexual, and psychological violence and analyse how the lingering effects of abuse shape their perceptions of themselves and the world around them. It also aims to underscore the need to dismantle oppressive patriarchal structures and build a safe and inclusive space for women.

Keywords: asymmetrical power dynamics, patriarchy, violence, trauma, inclusive space