Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPsychological Impact of Sexual AssaultProfessional Help for Sexual AssaultSexual Assault Coping Strategies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Psychological Impact of Sexual Assault
Professional Help for Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Coping Strategies
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)describes sexual assault as any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicitconsentof the victim. Sexual assault can come in many different forms. But the emotional toll it takes on your life is often the same.
Fortunately, it’s possible to move forward in a healthy way after being assaulted. Learning and practicing healthy coping strategies can help you get through it, so you can be able to move on and live your best life in the future.
Some forms of sexual assault include:
Force doesn’t always refer to “physical force.” Some perpetrators use psychological force, such as coercion or manipulation, to force victims into non-consensual sex. They may use threats or intimidation tactics as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence that includes physical contact at some point in their lives.
Many of these individuals don’t ever seek treatment, however. Some of them feel as though their assault was “too minor” to matter or that it happened “too long ago.” Others are too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone. And some individuals don’t think they need help or even know how to get it if they do.
Understanding Rape and Sexual Assault
The psychological impact of sexual assault varies greatly from person to person. Achild victimmay not realize they were assaulted for years. An adult victim may try to convince themselves that a date rape was consensual.
Whatever you are feeling is OK. And there’s no timeline for when you should feel better. Everyone’s experience is unique.
Feelings of shame, confusion, and guilt are common, however. A survivor may feel bad for not stopping the assault. They may worry about what others will think, or they may possibly blame themselves (even though it’s never the victim’s fault).
Most survivors report experiencing flashbacks where they keep replaying the assault in their minds over and over again.
Survivors of sexual assault may also be at increased risk of mental health issues,such as:
Individuals who have been assaulted multiple times may be at an even higher risk for mental health issues.
And negative reactions from friends, family members, or professionals may increase the risk of mental health issues even more so. Not being believed (or being blamed) creates greater psychologicaltrauma.
How to Tell Someone You Were Sexually Assaulted
Whether the assault happened yesterday, or it occurred decades ago, a mental health professional can assist you in coping with sexual assault.
Therapy is a confidential, non-judgmental place to work through challenges. A therapist may help you deal with your feelings, identify new coping skills, and manage your stress.
Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.
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We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.
You can discuss specific issues, like how to deal with flashbacks or how to improve your sleep. You might also explore whether you decide to share the fact that you were assaulted withfriends or family members.
There are different types of treatment for sexual assault. Examples of common therapies include:
If you have a specific mental health issue, like anxiety or depression, medication may be an option to reduce your symptoms. You can discuss this with your doctor and your therapist to determine if it’s right for you.
Group therapy may be another option. Your therapist may refer you to a group for a specific issue like learning skills to deal with trauma. Group therapy isn’t for everyone, however, so you’d want to discuss this with your treatment provider.
A support group may also be an option. Support groups provide opportunities to connect with other survivors of sexual assault.
The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and Tested
A mental health professional can help you discover lifestyle changes and coping strategies that are best for you.
A therapist will work with you on identifying the strategies that can help you manage your symptoms.
They can also help you avoid the unhealthy coping strategies that you may be tempted to turn to, such as alcohol and drugs.
How to Support a Victim of Sexual Assault
A Word From Verywell
Being sexually assaulted is something that is extremely traumatic. Yet it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Many survivors move forward in healthy ways and recover from this traumatic experience.
If you aren’t sure where to find help, contactRAINN, speak to your physician, or reach out to a local mental health professional. Online therapy is also an option.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It takes strength and courage to reach out. But doing so can help you heal from the trauma associated with sexual assault.
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.“Sexual Assault and Mental Health.” Mental Health America.https://www.mhanational.org/sexual-assault-and-mental-health.
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.“Sexual Assault and Mental Health.” Mental Health America.https://www.mhanational.org/sexual-assault-and-mental-health.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
“Sexual Assault and Mental Health.” Mental Health America.https://www.mhanational.org/sexual-assault-and-mental-health.
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