Victims of sexual assault experience, or will eventually experience, consequences of this criminal act, which directly affects the person’s rights, intimacy, sense of safety, and integrity.

Each person reacts differently to sexual assault. The consequences vary from one person to another, depending on factors such as age, the relationship that exists between the victim and the perpetrator, the nature of the acts committed, the duration and frequency of the sexual assaults experienced, the degree of violence used, the reactions of those around them during disclosure and the help available, whether the assault is recent or past, or for any other reason, the consequences impair the victim’s life. Many will see consequences appear, such as avoidance, mistrust, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, substance use, flashbacks, changes in lifestyle habits, mood, etc.

No one reacts the same way; however, it often happens that victims feel guilty, believe it is their fault, and bear the responsibility for the sexual assault. They blame themselves by telling themselves they should not have: accepted the drink offered, the invitation, said NO louder, or worn “sexy” clothes, etc.

*It is important to know and remember that under no circumstances is a sexual assault victim responsible for the sexual assault suffered.

Many women will be afraid to confide, to break the silence, to disclose a sexual assault for fear of not being believed, of breaking up the family, of losing friends, of having reprisals from the perpetrator, etc. Some will live with the secret and the consequences for years before confiding.

Some will even develop post-traumatic stress disorder, whose symptoms can be numerous and debilitating.

However, it is important to know that with help, support, and accompaniment, these consequences and symptoms, even the most intense, will disappear with time and support.

Non-exhaustive list of consequences that may be experienced following sexual assault:

Physical consequences : headaches, fatigue, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, nausea, pain, bruising, redness, muscle disorders, bleeding, etc.

Psychological consequences : sadness, depression, guilt, feelings of anger and rage, fear, low self-esteem, shame, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, depression, avoidance, defence mechanisms, dependence on alcohol, drugs, or gambling, eating disorder, etc.

Sexual consequences : headaches, fatigue, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, nausea, pain, bruising, redness, muscle disorders, bleeding, etc.

Lifestyle consequences: changes in habits, difficulty accomplishing one’s tasks and responsibilities, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks, etc.

Interpersonal consequences : difficulties being in relationship with one’s family, one’s partner, one’s children, one’s friends, overprotecting one’s children, difficulty showing affection, isolation, difficulty trusting others, mistrust towards men, etc.

Given that other possible consequences may manifest, we suggest paying particular attention to any behavioural changes in someone close to you. If you observe changes and have questions, concerns, or suspect a history of sexual assault,  you can refer to our section dedicated to loved ones of victims.