|
Victim Assistance
Div. of Erie County
Victims of
Domestic
Violence:
419-624-6875
Victims of
Felony Crime:
419-627-7699
Victims of
Juvenile
Crime:
419-624-6885
Victims of
Misdemeanor
Crime:
419-624-6880
|
Sexual Assault Long-Term Effects
Recovering from sexual assault can be a lengthy process. Survivors, as
well as friends and family, should be aware of the long-term effects of
sexual assault and the resources available to aid in the healing
process. This handout presents some issues that survivors may confront
after an assault.
Emotional Recovery
Sexual assault is a crisis, and we all handle crisis in different ways.
Some survivors go into shock after being assaulted, or experience
overwhelming fear, anger, shame or anxiety. The emotional reaction to
sexual assault is complex and often confusing. Survivors should remember
that their feelings and experiences are not abnormal and that they are
not alone. Friends and family should have patience with the healing
process. It could take weeks, months or years for the healing to take
place, and healing time varies from person to person.
After the initial shock of the assault, survivors may want to forget the
attack or may find themselves withdrawing from people and trying to give
the impression that they are all right. Survivors may try to regain
control by the way they think about the problem, by not caring or
through anger. Survivors may also find themselves not caring about
things that are usually important to them. They may be dealing with
certain fears, such as fear of death, or being fearful in situations
that serve as reminders of the assault. They may have fears of seeing
the assailant again. Survivors may feel depressed or guilty, and they
may have negative feelings about themselves. All of these feelings are
common. However, it is important for survivors to deal with their
feelings to prevent a problem later in their recovery.
The fear and confusion will lessen with time, but the trauma may disrupt
the survivor's life for awhile. Sleeping and eating patterns may change
and may include sleeping disorders, nightmares, or eating disorders such
as anorexia and bulimia. Survivors may think about hurting themselves or
others, or turn to alcohol or drugs to block out the problem. They may
experience dramatic mood swings, crying spells or panic attacks, become
irritable and short-tempered, and have difficulty making decisions.
Survivors may also develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
which is the result of a traumatic experience, especially person to
person crimes such as rape. Symptoms include persistent re-experiencing
of the traumatic event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the event,
numbing of general responsiveness and symptoms of increased arousal.
Talking with someone who understands can help survivors sort out the
emotional aftermath of a sexual assault. A counselor who has knowledge
of trauma related to sexual assault can help survivors gain perspective
on the situation. No matter how difficult the coping process is, it
does not mean that the survivor has serious mental or emotional
problems. The recovery process may help survivors develop
confidence, strength, insights and abilities.
Those who are close to someone who has been assaulted may also seek
counseling. This can help them cope with the stress the incident has
brought to their own lives, and help them to be understanding and
supportive of the sexual assault survivor. See the
Info for Friends and Family web page
for more information.
Flashback and Nightmares
It is normal for survivors to experience flashbacks or nightmares after
an assault. Here are some things that may help afterwards:
-
Remind
yourself that the feelings and sensations are memories of the past;
that you survived the trauma; and that you are safe now.
-
It is normal
when you are scared to stop breathing regularly, which intensifies
feelings of panic. Take deep breaths. Breathing helps re-orient you
in the present. Focusing on your senses can also help. Ask yourself
what you are seeing, hearing and feeling
right then.
-
Take time to
recover, and reach out for support as you need it. Tell someone that
you had the flashback or nightmare. Call a friend, family, or crisis
hotline.
-
Take steps to
keep yourself safe. Identify ways in which you feel vulnerable, and
work with friends, family or advocates at a crisis center to make a
plan that will keep you safe.
Sexuality
After Sexual Assault
SURVIVORS: Rape can affect your feelings about sexuality for some time
afterwards. You may find that sex stirs up frightening feelings
associated with your assault. If you are single, take time to decide if
and when you want to share your experience with potential partners.
Communication is the key to maintaining healthy intimacy. If you are in
a relationship, it is important to tell your partner how you feel and
talk about your comfort level with intimacy. A loving partner should
respect your needs. On the other hand, you may experience no difficulty
in this regard, distinguishing quickly between assault and consensual
activity, and might welcome your partner's desire for intimacy. In any
case, a lover must recognize the possibility of temporary or permanent
change in an intimate relationship.
PARTNERS: If your partner wants to refrain from sexual activity for
awhile, it is essential that you honor her or his wishes. Otherwise
she or he may feel rushed or frightened by your desire to be sexual. Try
to talk openly about this issue even if you have never talked openly
about this subject before. It is vital to communicate now. If your
partner hasn't brought up the subject, gently ask her or him about it.
As in other aspects of recovery from assault, your partner's needs
should be of primary concern and should guide your actions. Your
partner's attitude about sexuality may be an impact on you. The
opportunity to talk about this with someone outside the relationship has
been helpful to others who have been intimately involved with a
survivor. Consider seeing a counselor to discuss your feelings. Remember
that even though some things may change between you and your partner for
some time, most survivors recover from the trauma and have healthy,
loving lives.
Professional Help
Find out about community resources for survivors of sexual assault.
These may include a twenty-four hour crisis hotline, support groups, and
individual therapy. Be aware that not all therapists have training in
the special needs of sexual assault survivors. Get referrals from your
local rape crisis center, and ask potential therapists about their
experience and background with this issue. Do not hesitate to change
therapist if you are not satisfied.
**Additional information can be obtained by contacting OCOSA at (614)
268-3322, RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE, or your local rape crisis center.
|
