Care models for adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma in South Africa, necessitate qualitative, research and interdisciplinary integrated empirical evidence on the complexity of recovery. Relevant research in the global South and approaches to research of complex sexual trauma recovery include, inter alia, the medical and clinical sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is within this ideological shift that the current study is located to potentially contribute more holistically to a growing body of knowledge.
This in-depth study applies a collaborative autoethnographic (CAE) research methodology, framed within critical psychology and feminist community psychology. Facilitating spontaneous recovery during an 8-12- month intervention period, the lived embodied experiences, photovoice accounts and narratives of 15 research participants are included. Physical, sexual and reproductive health as part of complex, trauma recovery, are integrated in the thematic analysis of embodied biopsychosocial distress, spirituality, resilience and community care. This may facilitate transdisciplinary conversations and collaboration, leading to transformative and innovative therapeutic practices with psychosocial relevance and sustainable outcomes.