Sexual Abuse is REAL.
Sexual Assault/Abuse survivors may contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection, and as a result of the assault, may become pregnant (if female). Not only do survivors suffer from physical damage after an assault/abuse, they suffer mentally as well. - PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) - Survivors of sexual assault may experience severe feelings of anxiety, stress or fear, as a direct result of sexual assault. - Dissociative Identity Disorder - Two or more separate and distinct identities (or personalities) control an individual's behavior at different times. - Borderline Personality Disorder - "A serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity.” - Eating Disorders - Survivors with eating disorders often use food and the control of food as an attempt to deal with or compensate for negative feelings and emotions. - Body Memories - When the stress of the memories of the abuse experienced by an individual take form of physical problems that cannot be explained by the usual means. |
Sleep Disorders - Many survivors of sexual assault suffer from sleep disorders.
- Stockholm Syndrome - Victims emotional "bonding" with their abuser, Stockholm Syndrome develops subconsciously and on an involuntary basis. - Depression - One of the most common emotional/psychological reactions to sexual assault. - Flashbacks - A flashback is when memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. - Self-harm - Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on him/herself. - Suicide - Please reach out for help if you are having thoughts of suicide. - Substance Abuse - Victims of rape or sexual assault may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to relieve their emotional suffering. |