While rape, domestic abuse, and sexual assault can result in various physical outcomes like bruising, bleeding (vaginal or anal), impaired mobility, soreness, broken or dislocated bones, sexually transmitted infections, or pregnancy, it’s equally important to acknowledge the enduring psychological and emotional consequences that can persist over an extended period, and sometimes even a lifetime, given the individuality of each person’s experience.
Common psychological effects are:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Rape Trauma Syndrom (RTS)
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
- Withdrawing/disassociating from parts or everything in your life
Survivors frequently navigate a complex web of emotions, such as struggling with trust issues, feelings of shock, anger, fear, a deep sense of helplessness, guilt, a loss of control, disorientation, emotional numbness, physical weakness, and an overpowering sensation of powerlessness.
For all of the above reasons, it’s not uncommon for survivors to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of dealing with the aftermath of the trauma they endured.
A Survivor Not a Victim 