In conversations about trauma, we often focus on memory as something stored in the mind. But for many survivors of deeply personal violations, the truth is far more complex than the body remembers. This is especially true for survivors of Khatna, a form of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practiced in parts of India. Beyond the physical act lies a profound psychological wound rooted in betrayal, silence, and cultural conditioning. Understanding this layered trauma is essential to breaking the cycle and restoring dignity to survivors.
The Hidden Reality of Khatna in India
Khatna, also referred to as Khafz, is predominantly practiced within the Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim sect in India. While often hidden behind closed doors and rarely discussed openly, studies estimate that nearly 75% to 85% of women within this community have undergone the procedure. Most girls are subjected to it between the ages of six and seven, an age when trust in caregivers is absolute and unquestioned.
Despite its prevalence, Khatna remains largely invisible in mainstream discourse. It exists in a space where cultural tradition, religious interpretation, and social pressure intersect, making it difficult for individuals to question or resist.
The Procedure and Its Consequences
The procedure typically involves the removal or cutting of the clitoral hood, and in some cases, the clitoral glans. It is often justified within the community as a way to control a girl’s sexuality. The underlying belief is that reducing sexual desire ensures “purity” before marriage and “fidelity” afterward.
However, from a medical standpoint, there is no benefit, only harm. The immediate risks include severe bleeding, infection, and shock, especially when the procedure is performed in non-clinical settings without proper hygiene or anaesthesia. For a child, this can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming.
The long-term consequences are equally severe. Scar tissue can lead to chronic pain, discomfort during urination, and complications during childbirth that can even become life-threatening. These physical effects are not isolated; they are deeply intertwined with emotional and psychological trauma that can persist for years.
Betrayal Trauma: When Trust is Broken
Among the most devastating aspects of Khatna is what psychologists refer to as “betrayal trauma.” Unlike other forms of harm inflicted by strangers, this trauma is rooted in a violation by trusted caregivers. In many cases, it is the child’s mother or grandmother who takes her for the procedure.
For a young girl, this creates a profound internal conflict. The people she relies on for safety and love become the very individuals who lead her into pain. This betrayal disrupts her sense of security and trust not just in others, but in the world itself.
The experience is often masked with deception. Children may be promised sweets, gifts, or a special outing, only to be subjected to a painful and confusing event. This manipulation deepens the trauma, as the child struggles to reconcile the promise of reward with the reality of harm.
The Silence That Follows
After the procedure, silence becomes a powerful force. Many survivors are told not to speak about what happened. This enforced secrecy creates what can be described as a “conspiracy of silence,” where pain is normalized, and questioning is discouraged.
This silence isolates survivors, making it difficult for them to process their experiences. Without language or support to articulate their trauma, many internalize feelings of shame, confusion, and guilt. The body, however, continues to hold the memory, often manifesting in ways the mind cannot fully explain.
Long-Term Psychological Impact
The psychological effects of Khatna are profound and far-reaching. Many survivors report symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness. The memory of the event may be triggered by seemingly unrelated experiences, reinforcing the idea that trauma is stored not just in memory, but in the body itself.
Additionally, the procedure often shapes a survivor’s relationship with her own body. When a part of the body is associated with pain and shame from a young age, it can lead to long-term issues with self-image, intimacy, and identity. For many, healing is not just about overcoming a single event, but about rebuilding a sense of ownership over their own bodies.
Legal and Social Challenges
In India, there is currently no law specifically banning FGM. However, the practice can be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, as it involves harm to minors. Despite this, enforcement remains challenging due to the private nature of the practice and the strong social pressures within the community.
Families often comply out of fear. Fear of being judged, excluded, or labelled as outsiders. This collective pressure sustains the practice, even among those who may privately question it.
Breaking the Cycle
In recent years, survivor-led movements have begun to challenge this silence. Organizations and advocacy groups are creating safe spaces for women to share their stories, raising awareness, and demanding legal reform. These voices are crucial in shifting the narrative from one of secrecy and compliance to one of autonomy and resistance.
The path forward requires more than legal action. It demands open dialogue, community engagement, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Education plays a key role in dismantling myths and empowering individuals to make informed choices.
Khatna is not just a physical act; it is a deeply embedded social practice with lasting consequences. For survivors, the trauma does not end with the procedure; it lives on in the body, in memory, and in relationships.
Understanding betrayal trauma helps us see why the impact is so profound. When harm comes from those we trust most, healing becomes more complex but not impossible. By listening to survivors, amplifying their voices, and challenging harmful norms, society can begin to create a future where no child’s body is marked by betrayal and where healing replaces silence.
References
Global Statistics and Research
- UNICEF (2024 Global Report): Female Genital Mutilation: A Global Concern
- WHO Fact Sheet: Female Genital Mutilation Overview
- Equality Now (Global Data): FGM in Asia – The Invisible Reality
India-Specific Studies & Community Research
- Sahiyo (India Study): The Clitoral Hood: A Contested Site (Dawoodi Bohra Survey)
- WeSpeakOut (Survivor Reports): The “Khatna” Study – Understanding FGM/C in India
- Asia Network to End FGM/C: India Regional Brief
Medical and Psychological Perspectives
- PubMed / NIH (Mental Health Impact): Psychological consequences of female genital mutilation
- Journal of Sexual Medicine: Physical and Psychosexual Complications of FGM
Legal Documents (India)
- Supreme Court of India (PIL Case Status): Sunita Tiwari vs Union Of India
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (POCSO Guidance): The POCSO Act, 2012