Sexual Assault and the Lasting Impacts

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can arise as a result of sexual assault. What occurs can be so frightening that a woman can have an extraordinarily difficult time returning to their daily routine. Trying to sleep or enjoy a moment of relative stillness can be next to impossible. The memories of their painful experience will keep coming back, especially if they try to push them away.

Depression and anxiety

Survivors of sexual assault can often develop very dark views of themselves and the world. Depression and anxiety are not about feeling momentarily sad or nervous. They are chronic conditions that are worsened if not properly treated.Survivors can start to believe that they are a burden on the world and start to have suicide ideation. It’s crucial for anyone who is going through a difficult time following a sexual assault to seek out the appropriate resources to aid in their recovery.

Drug Abuse

The trauma of a sexual assault can cause some women to feel ashamed to speak about it. As a result, they’ll turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. All this does is cover up feelings momentarily, allowing them to fester and grow more negative. Prescription medication can help for conditions such as depression or anxiety, but they need to be given by a doctor. Getting intoxicated is no way to handle the aftermath of sexual assault.

Physical harm

Sexual assault is as much of an act of violence as punching someone. Women who experience sexual assault are often handled aggressively and left with physical reminders of their experience. These can include lacerations, bruises, or cases of bleeding. They might also receive STDs or pregnancy due to forced intercourse. A woman who’s gone through sexual assault might do harm unto herself, such as cutting.

The grim realities of sexual assault and its aftermath should never be ignored. In order for women to have a voice, we must raise awareness of the lasting impacts of sexual assault. It might not be pleasant to think about, but it’s something we absolutely cannot forget.