The long term effects of sexual assault

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Childhood sexual abuse

Emotional

Reactions of:

• guilt, shame, anger, rage, sadness, grief
• depression
• complete absence of emotional reactions
• anxiety
• generalized panic attacks, specific fears and problems (eg. Dental, medical, gynaeological)
• guilt or fear during sexual contact _8-11

"I have a lot of fear of people (particularly men) putting things in my mouth and towering over me when I am vulnerable in that chair"
(victim/survivors account on experiencing specific fear at the dentist)

Cognitive

• intrusive thoughts and memories
• nightmares or bad dreams
• suicidal thoughts
• low self-esteem
• flashbacks
• confusion
• dissociative problems/perceptual disturbances
• underachievement in education and employment
• acceptance of the perpetrators belief system: "it's my fault"
• loss of faith

Behavioural

• substance use
• compulsive and obsessional problems
• self-harm
• aggressive behaviour
• more likely to be a user of psychiatric services
• pronounced startle response
• isolation and alienation
• negative reactions to medical procedures
• eating disorders
• more frequent use of medical services

Recent sexual assault

• feel numb, dirty or afraid
• blame themselves
• feel outraged, anger (anger at men)
• cry a lot
• feel numb
• denial
• sleep problems/nightmares
• trouble eating or feeling ill
• want to go out again to prove themselves
• not wanting to be touched or a need for physical reassurance

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 7 Oct 2009