O discurso sobre o abuso sexual na comunidade surda de Manaus: uma análise discursiva francesa (AM)

Abstract

The present study on sexual abuse against deaf individuals in the Brazilian context, based on French Discourse Analysis (DA) with a Pecheuxtian orientation, brought to light the complexity and multiplicity of discourses that permeate this delicate topic. During the analysis of the corpus, several relevant discursive objects emerged, including abuse in childhood and innocence, abuse and play, family and communication, abuse and penetration, abuse and women, and the silence surrounding abuse as a family matter. To comprehend the diversity of meanings present in the discourse on sexual abuse, interviews were conducted with 10 deaf individuals (both men and women) residing in Manaus. The use of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in the interviews was essential to valorize these individuals' natural mode of communication and ensure that their voices were respected. Through the Pecheuxtian discourse analysis, it was possible to identify the effects of meanings produced by different discourses on sexual abuse. Central themes were reorganized to highlight the plurality of experiences lived by victims in different subject roles, such as married women, girlfriends, children, women, and gay men. The analysis also revealed the established relationships between discursive formations (FD) and the images constructed about deaf women and abuse, as well as the sliding movements of meanings, paraphrases, and polysemies present in the discourses. It became evident that the issue of sexual abuse against deaf individuals cannot be understood in a homogenous manner. Each deaf individual carries a multiplicity of identities, which influences their individual experiences and their relationship with abuse. In this context, the valorization of deaf culture and knowledge of Libras are fundamental for the formation of deaf individuals' identities and for breaking barriers in communication and access to information about sexual abuse prevention. The discussion about the sexuality of deaf individuals was also highlighted as a relevant aspect of the study. Recognizing and valuing this important dimension of their lives is essential to promote an inclusive and respectful approach to the topic.