Sexual Assault: Its Impact on Survivors and How You Can Help
It is time we broke the silence on sexual assault and learnt about its impact on survivors and how we can provide support to them.
Trigger Warning: This article explores themes related to sexual assault including descriptions of violence and abuse. This may be triggering for some readers, discretion is advised.
Sexual assault is shockingly common and is a major public health problem as well as a violation of fundamental human rights. The impact of sexual assault goes so far beyond sustaining any physical injuries, that the trauma experienced by sexual assault victims can leave them paranoid, ashamed and isolated. They no longer perceive the world to be a safe space for them.
Every woman across the world has directly or indirectly, come across some form of sexual harassment during their life, be it having experienced it themselves or having heard about experiences second hand. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 3 women across the world have encountered some form of sexual violence and 1 in 4 women aged 15 and above have experienced sexual violence at the hands of their significant other at least once. In many cases, the voices of these survivors have been silenced. However, with the #MeToo movement, numerous individuals have come forward to bravely share their stories to raise awareness globally.
To continue raising awareness, every April is considered Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Although this movement is more predominant in the US, we at Psych et al., would like to take this opportunity to do our part in raising awareness about sexual assault within our community. Through this article, we aim to understand how sexual assault impacts individuals across the globe and how it has an effect on the well-being of the survivors and their loved ones.
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What is Sexual Assault?
Before we look at how sexual assault can affect an individual’s mental health and by extension other aspects of their lives, we must understand what it means. Sexual assault refers to a broad range of unwanted sexual acts that occur against or without the explicit consent of the individual involved. Rape or attempted rape, unsolicited/inappropriate sexual touching and being forced to participate in sexual acts are all manifestations of sexual assault.
Moreover, in the time and age of the #MeToo movement, wherein individuals are coming forward with their experiences of sexual assault as well as sexual harassment, we must be able to differentiate between the two terms. Often used in a legal context, sexual harassment is an umbrella term and according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or any verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature particularly in a workplace or a learning environment. Sexual harassment does not just include non-consensual sexual behaviour but also passive behaviours such as derogatory comments about women on the whole.
However, this article will primarily focus on sexual assault and how it has an impact on the survivors. The next section explores if women alone fall under the category of sexual assault survivors.
Do Women Alone Experience Sexual Assault?
While research on sexual assault primarily tends to focus on women, it is a common fallacy that they are the only victims of such crimes. While women might encounter these experiences at a higher rate, research findings indicate that men and individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community too encounter sexual assault in their lifetimes.
Statistics suggest that 1 in 10 men fall victim to rape. Recent data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further highlights the issue by suggesting that 1 in 4 men report encountering unwanted sexual contact, while 1 in 9 reports being either sexually coerced or having experienced harassment in a public place.
While these numbers are staggering and do shed some light on the prevalence of sexual assault in men, in reality, these numbers could be far higher than what has been reported in studies. One reason for this is due to potential underreporting by victims due to the inherent stigma and shame associated with the topic. Even gender stereotypes play a role in this as we tend to assume that “men don’t get raped” thereby preventing them from reporting incidents and thereby seeking relevant support.
Further perpetuating the stigma is the lack of studies that consider the male perspective when discussing sexual assault. And the few studies that provide some insight into this are more likely to ignore men from other ethnic identities in favour of concentrating only on American or European men.
When we shift our focus to the LGBTQIA+ community, it is evident that several cases of sexual assault go unnoticed. Moving on from men, the incidents among the members of the LGBTQIA+ community often go unnoticed. According to findings 1 in 2 transgender people will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Gay and bisexual men too demonstrate similar statistics, while on the other hand, around 61% of bisexual women and 44% of lesbians report sexual assault.
An interesting pattern that emerged from these statistics was that individuals from marginalised communities are at an equal or greater risk of experiencing sexual assault than their heterosexual counterparts. Experts suggest that this could be hate crimes towards the members of the LGBTQIA+ community which occasionally manifests as sexual assault.
The aforementioned number and statistics highlight that sexual assault as a topic is a major cause for concern across the population regardless of the individual’s identity. Unfortunately, the effects of sexual assault are often lasting and irreversible which is why it is important to understand them more closely.
What is the Impact of Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault can have a significant effect on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of the survivors. However, we must understand that these lingering effects are not forms of illnesses or weaknesses and nor do they define the individual but rather typical responses of having experienced a traumatic event. This section considers the various ways in which sexual assault can have an adverse impact on an individual’s well-being.
1. On Mental Health
Sexual assault can have both short-term and long-term effects on mental health.
a. Short-Term Effects
During the assault, it is common for the victims to fear for their lives or dissociate from the event or even experience fear paralysis which is an intuitive response to extreme sensory stimuli, often something threatening, causing individuals to become completely frozen and unable to move. It is imperative to understand that even if the survivor considers the safest option is to not resist, it by no means translates to consent.
Shortly after the assault, survivors may experience extreme fear or anxiety. Research has found that although this response peaks 3-weeks after the attack, it can often last for longer than a year among many survivors. Feelings of fear may be exacerbated if victims frequently encounter reminders of their assault, such as during medical examinations, legal proceedings, being in a room full of men or if they contract STIs or become pregnant as a result of the assault.
Moreover, individuals may fear the occurrence of future attacks thus, leading them to constantly feel on edge. For instance, if before the attack a survivor had a perception of being safe, they may now be untrusting of their environment, often restricting their day-to-day activities including work and other social plans.
b. Mid- to Long-Term Effects
In many cases, survivors may forget aspects of, if not the entire experience. This is a defence mechanism that helps them avoid the onslaught of experiencing feelings of confusion and shock. According to research, women who have survived sexual assault reported poorer sleep quality as well as poorer mental well-being.
One of the most common aftereffects of sexual assault is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); a psychiatric condition that triggers episodes of extreme distress which often disrupts daily living as a result of having encountered a traumatic event such as sexual assault. Research findings have shown that about 70% of female sexual assault survivors experienced significant trauma with more than half of them presenting symptoms of PTSD. Similarly, various literature report that the same can be observed among men.
Furthermore, survivors may find it challenging to cope with the loss of bodily autonomy after such a traumatic experience. The aftermath of these attacks can often make individuals feel hopeless and despair as well as lower their levels of self-esteem, often resulting in depressive symptoms. Research has found that students who experienced sexual assault at the beginning of the semester were more likely to develop symptoms of depression by the end of the semester.
Similarly, some survivors are reported to be more susceptible to experiencing a major depressive episode. A symptom that is frequently associated with a major depressive episode is suicide ideation, with younger individuals being more at risk post experiencing sexual assault.
To cope with the aforementioned traumatic memories, anxiety and/or depression, survivors may turn to substance abuse. Studies have shown that survivors of sexual assault are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs than individuals who have not encountered any form of sexual assault as a way to cope with the debilitating effects of the attack.
2. On Other Domains
Sexual assault not only impacts a survivor’s mental health but also other aspects of their well-being such as their physical health and their interpersonal relationships.
a. Physical Health
Although not all individuals who have experienced sexual assault sustain physical injuries or medical conditions, various physical health conditions are often associated with the aftermath of sexual assault. For instance, some of the most common fears post-assault are the increased risk of contracting sexually transmissible infections such as STIs or HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
Sexual assault can also result in a long-term impact on the physical well-being of the survivors. For instance, older women with a history of having experienced sexual assault were associated with a higher risk of developing arthritis and breast cancer. Moreover, research has found an increased volume of white matter hyperintensities among survivors. These are markers of small-vessel disease often detected years before the onset of disorders such as stroke and dementia.
b. Social Relationships
Not only does sexual assault affect the well-being of individuals but also how they interact with the environment around them. A sexual assault encounter can cause individuals to avoid social situations that can potentially trigger their memories of the attack and as a result, may often distance themselves from many events/experiences. Survivors of such traumatic events frequently find it challenging to express their emotions to others or doubt that they will be understood.
Similarly, it is common for individuals’ interactions with their friends, family, colleagues and others to be deeply affected after a sexual assault encounter. A long-term impact of experiencing traumatic events like sexual assault is strained relationships. For example, research has found that survivors of sexual assault are apprehensive to enter a romantic relationship and those who do, have a changed perspective as to what is considered healthy dating behaviour and often experience symptoms of PTSD in said relationships.
How to Give / Receive Support for Sexual Assault?
The following section details steps that can be taken if you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault. We would like to provide a disclaimer that we do not claim to be experts in this subject, however, the tips provided in this section are gathered from reputed sources on the internet and are based on expert advice. We encourage you to seek professional help if necessary.
1. How to Obtain Support for Sexual Assault?
If you have experienced sexual assault, you need to know that it is not your fault. The fault lies with the perpetrators and you should not blame yourself for the events that have transpired and ruminate on what you would have done differently. With that being said, let us consider your next steps of action that can potentially help you cope effectively.
a. Ensure That You Are Safe
Making sure you are safe is one of the most crucial things to do after a sexual assault. Jessica Klein, an expert in providing clinical treatment to survivors of sexual assault trauma, advises you to take actions that will make you feel safer. Do whatever it takes to make you feel secure in your body, whether that involves talking to your family or close friends you trust or just curling up in bed with a pile of blankets. Call the police if you believe you are in immediate danger.
b. Reach Out to Those Who Can Support You
In our current social climate, a greater amount of energy is expended on victim-blaming and casting doubts on the details of the encounter as described by the victim, all of which can exacerbate the trauma that one has undergone.
While it is normal to feel overwhelmed and alone after experiencing sexual assault, keep in mind that you don't have to go through this alone. Seeking support from people you can confide in be it your close friend, a relative or your co-worker will make a huge difference in the healing process.
If you would like to talk to someone without sharing details of your identity, then helplines and help centres would be the most suitable option. These hotlines are staffed with professionals who are trained to help and support you. We recommend you have a look at the Handbook of International Centers for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Harassment which is a resource that has compiled the contact details of such support lines and centres across the world.
c. Process Your Experience
Processing emotions is a fundamental part of the coping process. Avoiding the events that have transpired might not be an effective strategy to deal with your emotions and fears.
In these cases, seeking professional help from a therapist with experience treating sexual trauma survivors can be an effective method of treatment and support. A therapist might not only offer the survivor a safe and trustworthy environment but may also equip them with the necessary resources and strategies to regulate their emotions and acquire new coping mechanisms to deal with stressors.
d. Consider Legal and Medical Assistance
Sexual assault is a criminal offence, and you have the right to choose whether you want to file a police report against your assaulter. However, if you choose to not report your encounter to law enforcement, it is completely okay. You can choose to take a legal route after you have thought about and processed the events.
If you have sustained any physical injuries that need to be tended to, it is imperative to seek medical assistance. It is also recommended that you check for sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, seeking medical assistance during this period can help you in collecting evidence, should you wish to take the legal route in the future.
2. How Can You Help a Sexual Assault Survivor?
If you know someone who confides in you that they have experienced sexual assault, you must know how to provide effective support. Here are some steps that can help you assist them in these difficult times.
a. Actively Listen and Maintain Confidentiality
When offering support to a sexual assault victim, it is essential to acknowledge their feelings without passing any judgements. It is important to believe their accounts and reassure them that they are not to blame for what happened.
Additionally, every survivor has the right to privacy, and if someone comes forward and discloses that they have been sexually assaulted, confidentiality must be upheld (excluding cases that require mandatory reporting). Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to disclose an experience of sexual assault is in the hands of the survivor and their choice should be respected.
While it is normal for you to experience anger or sadness when a loved one has experienced sexual assault, it is crucial for you to keep your composure around them. Expressing your emotions might only increase their distress and can be counterproductive as you are trying to create a safe and supportive environment for them.
b. Encourage Them to Seek Help
Urge your loved one to seek medical assistance if they have sustained any physical injuries. Furthermore, experts suggest that they talk to a therapist or a counsellor to cope with the traumatic event. In each case present these options as suggestions rather than demands. You need to respect their autonomy and make sure they take the steps to heal themselves.
At its core, sexual assault is a crime that leaves a lasting impression on the survivor. Through this article, we hope to have shed light on its pervasive nature along with its impact on the survivor’s social relationships along with their mental and physical health.
Unfortunately, many countries still harbour deep-rooted stigmas that either place the blame on the victim or silence their voice altogether. It is time for us to take steps to change these negative mindsets and build a society where sexual assault survivors are treated with kindness and empathy rather than blame and condemnation.
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