Consequences of sexual assault

Sexual assault has many consequences that may appear at different moments in your life. Certain emotions and reactions will occur immediately following the assault, while others may appear much later — days, months or even years afterwards.

The consequences of an assault may vary depending on your age, your relationship to the aggressor, the specific nature of the attack, the duration and frequency of abuse, the degree of violence used, the reactions of your family and friends, and whether or not help was available.

Whether a sexual assault happened recently or several years ago, it has an effect on the victim's life. Some consequences are shared by the majority of victims, while others vary depending on the individual's situation. There are similarities, however. Here are some of the things you may experience as a result of a sexual assault:

Physical problems: headaches, fatigue, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy or injuries.
Psychiatric problems: sadness, depression, guilt, anger and rage, fears, low self-esteem, shame, despondency, suicidal thoughts or self-mutilation.
Sexual difficulties: lack of desire, hypersexuality, pain during intercourse or sexual disgust.
Difficulties in your relationships with your spouse or partner, close friends and family.
Frustration and anxiety caused by the judicial process, the trial and having to testify in court.
Economic, social or family problems: trouble at work, rejection by friends or family, having to stay at a shelter or crisis centre, loss of income.
Dependency issues related to alcohol, drugs, gambling or medication.
Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

Did you know ?

Survivors of sexual assault all react very differently to their experience, and the healing process varies from one person to another. Both men and women suffer the consequences of a sexual assault.

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