SOME POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
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Being sexually assaulted is a traumatic event.  Psychological consequences can include: 

• fear/anxiety

• depression

• anger

• lower self-esteem

• guilt

• difficulty sleeping OR sleeping too much

• difficulty concentrating

• nightmares or flashbacks

• feeling numb or detached

• irritability 

• fatigue

• hyper-vigilance

• problems with trust

• problems with social adjustment, including maintaining friendships and making new friends

• substance abuse

• risk-taking behavior

• phobias and panic disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• suicidal thoughts and/or attempts

Sexual consequences can include:

• decreased sexual satisfaction

• increased sexual dysfunctions

• avoidance in sex OR promiscuity (engaging in sex frequently or indiscriminately)

Physical consequences can include: 

• physical illness related to stress

• physical injury from risk-taking behavior

• sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy (either from the assault or from promiscuous behavior that might be triggered as a psychological reaction from the assault)

Experiencing some of these reactions are normal, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the assault.  Sexual assault can cause long-term effects, however, even if the victim does not experience any of these symptoms immediately.  If any of the reactions become troublesome, or if the victim has other concerns, it is important to know that help does exist.  Victims have options of seeking help informally from a friend, family member or hotline.  More formal ways to seek assistance include through sexual assault centers (which may offer support groups and/or individual counseling), clergy, and/or licensed counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.  It is important to remember that everyone is an individual.  This means that different people react to sexual assault differently and may need differing levels of help to overcome trauma.  There is no established, standard  time-line on which one can rate their journey from victim to survivor, but it can be done.