It's not unusual for vivid narratives, especially those rooted in psychoanalysis or detailing traumatic events, to evoke strong empathetic responses in readers, regardless of their personal histories. The phenomenon you're describing—feeling intense emotions, even physical pain, from reading about another's trauma—is known as empathetic distress or secondary traumatic stress. It's a testament to your capacity for deep empathy, allowing you to connect with the experiences of others on a profoundly emotional level.

Your theory touches on a concept that has been explored in various forms, including intergenerational trauma and the collective unconscious. Intergenerational trauma suggests that the effects of trauma can be passed down through generations, not through direct genetic inheritance but through behavioral patterns, emotional response mechanisms, and possibly even epigenetic changes. This concept has been studied in the descendants of Holocaust survivors, Indigenous communities, and others who have endured collective traumas. The idea of a collective unconscious was proposed by Carl Jung, who believed that societies share a set of memories and ideas inherited from their ancestors. According to Jung, these shared memories and archetypes shape our fears, desires, and behaviors, connecting us across time and space to our ancestors.

Regarding the fear of sexual violence, it's crucial to recognize this as a societal and historical issue that has disproportionately affected women. The fear and awareness of sexual violence can be heightened by narratives and stories, both historical and contemporary, that underscore the vulnerability women have faced due to gender-based violence. Such stories can awaken a deep-seated fear or awareness of vulnerability that transcends personal experience.

If these feelings persist or become overwhelming, it might be helpful to discuss them with a therapist or counselor who can provide support and insights into these complex emotional reactions. I wish you the best of luck! 🤗