“I Want to Tell You a Story”: Exploring the Role of Narratives in Documenting Sexual Violence During the Holocaust : A Study of Survivor Testimonies from the Warsaw and Łódź Ghettos

Abstract: This qualitative research study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the narratives  surrounding the experience of sexual violence during the Holocaust, focusing on the localized context of the Warsaw and Łódź ghettos and their immediate surroundings. The main objectives of this research are to examine how Holocaust survivors recount experiences of sexual violence in video testimonies and investigate the scope of sexual  violence in the localized context by analyzing different perpetrator groups and the  power relations that enabled sexual violence in the ghettos and in hiding. The study is grounded in the field of Narrative Analysis, which as a methodological framework together with theoretical concepts such as collective memory and Narrative Theory allows for a detailed examination of survivors' testimonies, providing rich insights into their experiences and perspectives. Moreover, by adopting an intersectional perspective, the research acknowledges the importance of considering multiple dimensions of identity, such as gender and age, in understanding the experiences and  narration of sexual violence. The analysis of selected primary sources from the Fortunoff Archive and Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive uncovers significant variations in narrative structures, themes, and patterns, further underlining the complexities of survivor testimonies. The research also reveals the significant influence that collective memory of the Holocaust had on the testimonies of sexual violence. Additionally, the research reveals insights into the scope of sexual violence in those localized contexts by emphasizing the role of different perpetrator groups and existing power dynamics. The study concludes that the narratives of Holocaust survivors provide significant insights into the experiences of sexual violence during that period.