Effects of Assault
Each survivor reacts to sexual violence in their own unique way, such as:
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Expressing emotions or preferring to keep their feelings inside. Talking about the assault soon after or waiting weeks, months, or even years before discussing the assault, if they ever choose to do so.
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Experiencing physical responses to the trauma as an effect of the assault.
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Developing coping mechanisms that could be harmful or unhealthy such as drug and alcohol use or self-injury, or healthy and therapeutic options such as journaling, expression through art and seeking therapy. Some survivors will display a mix of healthy and unhealthy ways of coping
It is important to respect each person’s choices and style of coping with this, and any, traumatic event. You can help by offering to connect survivors with the services of a rape-crisis center where staff are experienced in dealing with the effects and responding without judgment. Whether an assault was completed or attempted, and regardless of whether it happened recently or many years ago, it may impact daily functioning. A wide range of reactions can impact survivors, both immediately after the assault and for days or years after the assault.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, injury or other short- and long-term effects have been reported by 81% of women and 35% of men who experienced rape, stalking, or physical violence by an intimate partner.