Transgenerational traumatization and sexualized violence: A systematic review on an omnipresent, shadowed theme in social work theory and practice

Sexualized violence against women has long-term effects across generations. The literature review here presented is connected to the three-year feminist participatory action research TRACES, which investigates the transgenerational impact of sexualized violence against women in northern Italy from a socio-ecological perspective. Various meetings with local social and healthcare professionals revealed a lack of specific methods to address the transgenerational consequences. Thus, the review addresses the following questions: To what extent has research in social work addressed the topic of transgenerational traumatization as a long-term consequence of sexualized violence against women? Is there a deficiency in the transfer between theory and practice that needs to be bridged? Through systematically exploring four databases, a thematic analysis of thirty-three articles provides answers along the macro-areas: transgenerational traumatization, long-term repercussions on maternal caregiving, historical trauma and structural inequalities, and transgenerational and historical trauma-informed approaches. A strong body of literature on transgenerational and intergenerational traumatization in general could be identified, as well as research gaps regarding the long-term consequences of sexualized violence against women across generations. Regarding the transfer from theory to practice, the literature highlights shortcomings in implementing trauma-informed approaches that adequately address the specific dynamics of transgenerational and historical trauma.