For many victims, the rape is only the beginning of a series of continual traumas.
The rape in the novel is shown not as the worst and final moment, but the inciting of a terrible future. Vivian will not only have to deal with the psychological damage of the attack, but she also must survive the road to healing, which involves even more traumatic moments.
For instance, Vivian certainly doesn't deserve to be humiliated or shamed for her victimhood, but that doesn't stop corrupt lawyers from doing it. Even in the literal aftermath of the rape when she's in the hospital, she is immediately scrutinized, and has to talk about what happened, over and over again. This is an undeniable theme in the book, and Li makes it very clear that there are systemic issues around the treatment of sexual abuse victims.
The road to peace is long, lonely, and difficult.
The years of pain and suffering in the aftermath of a sexual assault are perplexing, and often, the mind heals in strange ways. Sometimes it's helpful to talk about things, sometimes not. Sometimes it's nice to have company, but often not. These themes are heartbreaking, but undeniable. Vivian alone knows the truth of her suffering, and even those who believe her are not really able to sympathize. Therefore, she must suffer loneliness as well as post-trauma.
Everyone's story entitles them to love and empathy, until they choose to behave with evil and hatred.
By exploring the psychology of the young attacker, Li offers a powerful counter-narrative to her own. Oddly, there are times when it seems that the narrator of the Johnny story is trying to understand his actions in a way that will help her forgive him, but ultimately, the difficulties of his life do not entitle him to victimize anyone else, especially innocent victims such as Vivian. Johnny is entitled to empathy and understanding, but his actions are still judged.
