How to Cope With Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a violation of a person’s sense of safety and trust. It can take many forms and affect people of all ages. It includes rape, assault, and other types of unwanted sexual contact and harassment. In addition, people can experience psychological abuse through manipulation and shaming. Sexual abuse can also lead to STIs, or sexually transmitted infections. It is important for anyone who has experienced sexual violence to seek help.

If you have been a victim of sexual violence, it can be difficult to tell someone about your experience. But you should know that it’s normal to have a range of emotions, like fear or guilt. Some survivors have difficulty determining who can be trusted, and they may have trouble maintaining close relationships.

There are different stages of coping with trauma, and everyone’s experiences are unique. You may move back and forth between the phases, or you may experience them at different times. You can ask for support from friends and family, and you may find it helpful to connect with a mental health professional.

Survivors of sexual violence often report a wide variety of symptoms after an assault, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance. These can have a significant impact on your daily life and well-being. In some cases, these symptoms may indicate that you have PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The most common symptom of PTSD is re-experiencing the traumatic event in your mind, which can cause you to have intrusive thoughts or nightmares about what happened. Other symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, being easily startled or frightened, and hypervigilance – being constantly on guard for any threats to your safety. PTSD can also cause changes in your feelings and beliefs, such as ongoing anger, guilt, or shame.

If you think that you have PTSD, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. These might include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy), medications, and support groups. You can get help from your healthcare provider, a hotline, and other services in the community.

Sexual trauma can affect a person’s ability to feel pleasure in their sexual relationships, and some survivors report decreased sexual desire after a sexual assault. Others may feel pain, fear, or anxiety with sexual activity. Some people have difficulty trusting others after experiencing sexual violence, and they may be afraid to engage in risky behaviors, like not using protection or having a large number of partners. Some survivors of sexual assault may turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as self-harm or substance use, to cope with their painful emotions.

In addition to affecting one’s physical, emotional and mental health, the experience of sexual violence can have lasting effects on a person’s relationships and career. It can make it harder for them to work, study or play and can cause difficulties in their relationships with family members, friends, coworkers and other peers. It can also increase the risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. It can even lead to suicide.