Sexual Violence 

Sexual violence is a term that encompasses a range of harmful behaviors and actions that violate an individual’s sexual autonomy and safety. Some common types of sexual violence include:

Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. This includes groping, fondling, and any other form of non-consensual touching of a sexual nature. It also includes rape or attempted rape.

Rape: Rape is a form of sexual assault. It involves non-consensual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth with a body part or object. It can happen through the use of physical force, coercion, manipulation, or threats.

Sexual Coercion: Pressuring someone into sexual activities against their will through manipulation, threats, or force. It can involve blackmail, emotional manipulation, or leveraging authority or power.

Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviors that create a hostile environment. It can happen in any setting, including the workplace, schools, public places, and others.

Child Sexual Abuse: Sexual acts or exploitation involving a child. This includes molestation, incest, and child pornography.

Incest: Sexual activities between family members who are legally prohibited from marrying.

Sexual Exploitation: Using another person’s sexuality for personal gain or profit. This includes activities such as prostitution, sex trafficking, and production or distribution of pornography without consent.

Reproductive Coercion: Behaviors that interfere with an individual’s reproductive autonomy, including sabotaging contraception, pressuring someone to become pregnant, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy.

Spousal or Partner Rape: Non-consensual sexual acts within a marital or intimate relationship. This type of violence often occurs within the context of domestic abuse.

Online Sexual Violence: This includes non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberstalking, and sexual harassment conducted through digital platforms and social media.

Sexual violence can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors, impacting them physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Here are some of the primary effects:

Injuries: Physical injuries can range from minor to severe, including bruises, cuts, broken bones, and internal injuries.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Survivors may contract STIs, including HIV.

Pregnancy: There is a risk of unwanted pregnancy, which can lead to further psychological and physical health issues.

Chronic Health Problems: Long-term health issues such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and gynecological problems.

Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep disorders are common.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the assault.

Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Anxiety: Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and heightened fearfulness.

Shame and Guilt: Survivors often feel shame and self-blame, even though the assault was not their fault.

Low Self-Esteem: Feelings of worthlessness and diminished self-confidence.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Isolation: Withdrawal from social activities and relationships due to fear, shame, or mistrust.

Relationship Problems: Difficulty trusting others, forming new relationships, or maintaining existing ones.

Impact on Work or School: Decreased performance, absenteeism, and difficulty concentrating.

Stigmatization: Facing blame, disbelief, or judgment from others, leading to further isolation.

Substance Abuse: Increased risk of using alcohol or drugs to cope with the trauma.

Self-Harm: Engaging in self-injurious behaviors as a way to deal with emotional pain.

It can be difficult to know what to do after a sexual assault. You might be physically hurt, emotionally drained, and at a loss for what to do. Being aware of some common next steps can help guide you through a difficult time. Here are some steps you can consider:

Find a Safe Place: Ensure you are in a safe location away from the assailant.

Seek Medical Attention: Go to a hospital or healthcare provider for a medical examination. Request an exam to collect evidence, even if you are unsure about reporting the assault. Evidence collection is most effective within 72 hours. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy if applicable.

Preserve Evidence: Do not shower, bathe, eat, drink, or brush your teeth if possible, as these actions can destroy evidence. Save your clothing in a paper bag (not plastic) if you change clothes. Avoid cleaning or rearranging the scene of the assault.

Consider Reporting the Assault: You can consider reporting the assault to the police. If you aren’t sure if you want to report, write down all details you remember about the assault and the assailant while they are fresh in your mind. This way you have it if you choose to report at some point. You can call us at 1-800-770-1650 to talk through what that might look like.

Seek Emotional Support: Contact a trusted friend or family member for support. You can call or text us for free and confidential support. You can remain anonymous and share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. We can also help you find local resources to support you.

Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Allow yourself time to heal and seek professional help if needed. Engage in self-care practices that help you feel safe and supported.