Earlier this week we discussed the different forms of sexual assault. Today I would like to share how it effects the survivor, mentally and physically.

Down below are a list of physical and mental illnesses that survivors can develop:

Mental Illnesses:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Personality Disorder
• Attachment Issue
• Shame
• Guilt
• Extremely Fear

Physical:

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Broken Bones
• Knife Wounds
• Chronic Pain that isn’t Visible
• STD/HIV
• Pregnancy

Many of those that have experienced sexual assault can experience feelings of guilt. Some are convinced that the assault is their fault and some also feel shame and immense fear. A lot of the survivors’ feel that there’s no hope in their life, some have a lack of self-worth and some have suicidal thoughts. Some children can have severe attachment issues while adults can have an issue with creating intimate relationships while others can be eager to form close attachments. Some develop personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and bi-polar disorder. Some of the survivors can have intense memories and flashbacks. Sadly, some become addicted to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain.

Many in the LGBTQ+ community have distrust that law enforcement won’t help them and sometimes they get lack of care when it comes to health care due to discrimination. Attacks against white people are often punished harshly then those against people of colors. Some cases cultural value can have an impact when it comes to reporting sexual assault and could prevent the survivor from seeking a mental health professional.

One thing I would like to mention that I probably mentioned in my pervious article is a lot of the attackers have experienced sexual assault themselves in the past. Many in their childhood or adulthood. Down below is a podcast that I’ve been listening to for a couple months now just release an episode on this subject. The stories your about to hear are disturbing to some listeners if you are willing to listen to this episode on “Ear Hustle.” Check them out if you like. It’s a great podcast that gives you the inside scoops of what takes place in the prison walls of San Quentin State Prison. What your about to hear is experiences from inmates that talk about being sexually assaulted as a child and how that impacted their life as they were growing up. It broke my heart from what they went through. It really opened my eyes on how this can effect an individual and they said they were “broken”. If you would like to listen, this link is down below:

https://www.earhustlesq.com/episodes/2020/4/15/sorry-means-nothing

If you know anyone that has experienced sexual assault or is going through it please listen, listen carefully and see how you can help. You can call law enforcement or call and visit the website RAINN.org to get more information. They are an organization that works with victims and survivors that have experienced sexual assault. Please don’t be afraid to seek professional help. This step can change or save a life. If you have an questions feel free to email me or comment down below and lets spread awareness. Thank you for reading ❤️.

Website: RAINN.org

Hotline: (800)656-4673

Links: https://everythingsotay.com/2020/04/14/sexual-assault-different-forms/, https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/sexual-abuse, https://www.banyanmentalhealth.com/2019/10/02/psychological-effects-of-sexual-assault/