The Psychological Impact of Sexual Violence on Survivors

Most victims of sexual violence suffer severe physical, psychological, and emotional damage. Though the body may eventually recover from such physical injuries, scarring of mental health issues may be less obvious and last longer. This paper discusses the psychological effects which survivors of sexual assault tend to experience and attempts to understand the relevance of appreciating the depth of their suffering.

---

Psychological and Emotional Aftermath

Victims of sexual abuse have a high possibility of experiencing mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emotional numbing, a sense of hopelessness, and depression can also be long-term effects. Survivors may experience diet and sleep pattern changes, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, and even experience fatigue easily. In the extreme scenario, suicide and self-mutilation can result from depression.

Another common result is PTSD, caused by the trauma. Survivors may have flashbacks, in which they are 'triggered' to react to a cue by going through the experience all over again, or be emotionally stirred by an environment of sensations or stimuli that may match the assault. Plain sensory experiences may 'cue' a flashback-a certain smell or sound that allows survivors to remember the event.

Survivors often exhibit symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Many also undergo panic attacks and dissociative responses.

---

Flashbacks and Emotional Responses

Perhaps the most difficult symptom of PTSD is flashbacks. Survivors may feel they are reliving the trauma during an episode of flashback, which causes extreme dread and fear. Everyday occurrences-such as hearing a specific voice or being exposed to a particular perfume-bring about these flashbacks, which may recapture unpleasant memories of the assault.

The survivors' emotional reactions towards sexual assault could be intense and complex. Most tend to feel ashamed, guilty, angry, and fearful, most of whom have disturbed relationships, become reclusive, and are increasingly wary of others. The sense of security among survivors is partially, at times completely, destroyed, which poses long-term risks to their emotional well-being and makes intimate relationships more challenging.

---

Impact on Adolescents and Teenagers

Teens are more susceptible to the psychological effects of sexual assault. Furthermore, research studies have shown that teens who are sexually violated often experience mental health problems such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Such problems might make it extremely difficult for the teens to maintain good social relationships and perform well in school, and indeed may last for more than a year.

Some adolescents will also face problems with sexual behavior and even identity. Some will be sexually active at high risk, have little sexual interest, or be unable to have effective adult relations. Others lead to even greater psychopathology such as Borderline Personality Disorder, which is characterized by instability and impulsivity.

---

Case studies of Survivor's Experiences

The experiences of individual survivors highlight the varied responses to sexual assault. Caroline, a 22-year-old survivor of date rape, initially struggled to accept that she had been assaulted. She felt shame and confusion, which led to changes in her behavior. Eventually, after seeing a counselor at a women’s clinic, Caroline began to open up about her trauma. Through building trust with her therapist, she was able to process the assault and begin her healing journey.

Sexual violence psychologically affects persons very deeply and for a long time. Some survivors have been reported to stay with depression, PTSD, panic attacks, dissociation, and other mental health issues that impact their lives considerably. They should be recognized as normal responses to trauma rather than the sign of weakness. Thus, it is very essential to find an understanding of the psychological impact of sexual violence so that the right support could be given to survive and move on through the process of recovery.

---

By Writer Reem Haque and Researcher Savarnika Roy