The Damaging Effects of Sexual Abuse and Assault
We are increasingly learning how profoundly sexual violence affects a victim’s physical and psychological health. While sexual violence does not affect two people in the same way, there are many common impacts of sexual abuse.
Depression
It’s normal for survivors to have feelings of sadness, unhappiness, and hopelessness. If these feelings persist for an extended period of time, it may be an indicator of depression. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it’s not something you should be expected to “snap out of.” It’s a serious mental health condition, and survivors can often benefit from the help of a professional.
Flashbacks
It is common for a victim to experience flashbacks after an assault. A flashback is when memories of a past trauma feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. That means it’s possible to feel like the experience of sexual violence is happening all over again. During a flashback, it can be difficult to connect with reality. It may even feel like the perpetrator is physically present.
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
It is normal for survivors of sexual violence to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear. However, if these feelings become severe, last more than a few weeks, or interrupt their day-to-day lives, it might be a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can result from a traumatic event. You may have heard the term used in relation to the military, but it can apply to survivors of any type of trauma, including sexual violence. Survivors might experience uncharacteristic feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, and nervousness—and this is perfectly normal. With PTSD, these feelings are extreme, can cause you to feel constantly in danger, and make it difficult to function in everyday life.
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Rape trauma syndrome (or RTS) is related to post-traumatic stress disorder but is more specific to sexual assault. RTS describes symptoms of trauma, including disruptions to normal physical, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal behavior.
Eating Disorders
Sexual violence can have an impact on the survivor’s perceived body image and affect their eating habits. Some survivors may use food in an attempt to cope with the trauma, feel in control, or compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. These actions only provide short-term relief, but they have the ability to cause long-term damage to your health.
Self-Harm
Deliberate self-harm, also called self-injury, is when people inflict physical harm on themselves, usually in private and without suicidal intentions. Some survivors of sexual assault may use self-harm to cope with difficult or painful feelings.
Self-harm isn’t necessarily a warning sign for suicide, but it can be a sign that someone has survived a serious trauma. You might be trying to numb the pain, feel a release, or regain a sense of control. Unfortunately, this relief is often short-lived, and the urge to self-harm can return, encouraging a cycle of self-harm that may cause damage, infection, and sometimes life-threatening medical problems.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
In a sexual assault, the victim is exposed to the risk of sexually transmitted disease (STD). A victim can get an STD through vaginal, oral, or rectal sexual contact with someone who is infected. The most common bacterial STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The most serious viral STDs are HIV, hepatitis B, genital herpes, and genital warts.
Some of these STDs can cause serious complications. For example, untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can damage the reproductive organs, leading to miscarriage or infertility.
Reach Out to Boyk Law for Compassionate Guidance
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harm, we understand how frightening it can feel to come forward. At Boyk Law, you have a compassionate and trusted advocate. Reach out today to learn more about your options during a confidential consultation.
