The Impact of Sexual Violence and Abuse
Sexual Violence can have a profound effect on physical and mental health. Every victim’s experience is different, but many people experience complex short and long-term effects, and some people will have a severe reaction in the immediate aftermath, whilst others may not feel anything until the shock of the event wears off. Some common reactions to sexual violence include:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Shame or guilt
- Flashbacks
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Self-harm
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Substance Abuse
- Dissociation or Withdrawal
- Eating Disorders or unhealthy diet related behaviours like vomiting or fasting
- Sleep Disorders
- Suicide
- Pregnancy
- Genital Injuries and gynaecological complications
- Chronic Pain
- Migraines and other frequent headaches
Research shows that Sexual Violence can also have social impact on its victims, including strained relationships with family and friends, lower likelihood of marriage, isolation or ostracism from family or community.
Many survivors of child sexual abuse grow up with a distrust of adults and authority figures, develop low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness, and an abnormal or distorted view of sex.
