THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS SEXUAL ABUSE IN SCHOOL ON VANESSA REFLECTED IN KATE ELIZABETH RUSSELL’S MY DARK VANESSA

Abstract

This thesis is about the sexual abuse that reflected in Kate Elizabeth Russell's in My Dark Vanessa. There are three problem statements proposed in this study i.e. portrayal of school sexual abuse described in the novel, the psychological impacts of sexual abuse in school on the main character and how the main character rises from adversity. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method. Moreover, the approach applied is psychological approach since the discussion deals with the psychological impacts of sexual abuse in the main character. The main character in My Dark Vanessa experiences sexual abuse that is committed by her own teacher. The sexual abuse leads her to suffer from psychological disorder, namely depression and trauma. The main character is eventually able to rises from her adversity by speaking up, making friends, and working. After conducting the analyzes the researchers learned that sexual abuse in school refers to any sexual behavior or actions that are unwanted and without the consent of one or more parties involved. It can damage the person's mental and psychological state due to deep trauma and depression.