Melanie Proulx (Cultural Studies) – The representation of sexual violence in comics

This doctoral research-creation project uses an embodied auto-ethnographic methodology to investigate how comics about sexual violence can reduce survivors’ risk of reception (the risk of being triggered) through the implementation of distancing narrative features (aesthetics that provide emotional distance). Melanie has also co-authored a book called “The Bum Drum Conundrum” that teaches children about consent and that it is ok to say “no”. Warning – The following episode of Grad Chat will discuss sexual violence, which some listeners might find troubling and/or triggering. Discretion is advised.