While there are many physical effects of rape, domestic abuse and sexual assault including bruising, bleeding (vaginal or anal), difficulty walking, soreness, broken or dislocated bones, sexually transmitted infections and diseases, or pregnancy.
There are so many psychological and emotional effects that can last for a long time, perhaps, even a lifetime (everyone is different). Some of the common one are:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Withdrawing/disassociating from parts or everything in your life
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
Victims feel very emotional, they may have a hard time trusting others, they may be in shock, be angry, fearful, helpless, guilty, feel like they have lost control, disoriented, numb, week and or helpless.
For all of the above reasons, many victims turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
In this section, I will be adding resources for additional information about the emotional effects of such trauma, and I will be adding resources for those who have turned to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
A Survivor Not a Victim 