Effects of Sexual Violation

The list and spectrum of emotions that survivors of sexual violation may go through is varied and long, but all are normal reactions to the trauma that has been experienced.

There is no right or wrong way to react and whichever way you do react is OKAY. You have survived a life threatening experience. Each person's reaction to emotional trauma is individual and unique, always valid and should at all times be respected.

Many survivors experience confusion and difficulty in making decisions and they may feel numb or may express fear, anxiety or anger. They may feel undeserved shame and suffer from sleep or eating disturbances. The survivor may feel the effects immediately after the attack or weeks, months or even years later.

Survivors may want to forget about what happened or pretend it never happened. Friends and family may encourage them to forget it and get on with their life without realising, that to work through the difficulties that sexual violation experiences can bring, takes time, patience and continual support.

Central Scotland Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre offers a free and confidential service of counselling to help survivors make sense of what they may be feeling. Support is also offered to family and friends of survivors.

Some Effects of Rape or Sexual Assault or Child Sexual Abuse