What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a form of unwelcome sexual conduct that is perceived as a violation of one’s own wishes or desires, whether physical or emotional. It can be perpetrated by anyone, including family members, friends, or strangers, and can occur at any age or gender. Shockingly, statistics reveal that approximately one in three women and one in six men will experience sexual assault at some point in their lives.
The Effects of Sexual Assault
In today’s discourse surrounding sexual assault, it is crucial to delve into the profound effects it can have on survivors. The aftermath of a sexual assault extends far beyond the physical act itself, often leaving emotional and psychological scars that can persist for years.
The Emotional Toll
Sexual assault can have a devastating impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. Survivors may experience a range of emotions, including but not limited to fear, shame, guilt, and anger. These emotions can manifest immediately after the incident or resurface unexpectedly, affecting the survivor’s daily life and relationships.
Psychological Consequences
The psychological repercussions of sexual assault are profound and diverse. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among survivors. Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and a heightened state of alertness are some of how the trauma may manifest psychologically.
Impact on Relationships
Survivors often grapple with challenges in forming and maintaining relationships. Trust issues, intimacy concerns, and communication difficulties are common hurdles that may arise. Exploring the impact of sexual assault on interpersonal connections is essential for both survivors and those who aim to support them.
Healing Through Sexual Assault Therapy
Whether your assault happened as a child or an adult, whether you remember it or not, no matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or race, what happened was not your fault.
We understand that the time after a SA, whether it happened moments or years ago, can be overwhelming, confusing, and frightening. With the right help, feelings can become manageable. A trained sexual assault therapist can help you start the process of healing.