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Understanding the effects of sexual violence on mental health
Explore the link between sexual violence and mental health this Mental Health Awareness Month.
Traumatic events can take a severe mental toll on all who experience them. These events include those involving trauma from sexual violence.
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we offer a deeper look at the influence of sexual violence on mental health.
The mental health consequences of sexual violence
Sexual violence can have significant physical effects. Yet some of the most severe outcomes of sexual trauma can impact survivors mentally and emotionally. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, psychological and emotional effects survivors of sexual violence may endure include:
- Depression.
- Flashbacks.
- Disassociation and more.
These effects can fuel others that influence survivors’ physical well-being, such as the experience of sleep disorders or eating disorders and acts of self-harm or substance abuse. RAINN adds that survivors of sexual violence may also experience an increased risk of suicide. Those considering suicide can always receive help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Another potential outcome of sexual violence and other debilitating trauma is that survivors may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines PTSD as a “disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. Children and adults with PTSD may feel anxious or stressed even when not in danger.” The organization shares a list of signs and symptoms of PTSD. They also offer options for getting help with managing the disorder.
The wide range of effects of sexual violence can lead to far-reaching consequences in survivors’ lives. These consequences bring value to recognizing when individuals may be most vulnerable to experiencing the effects.
Growing cases among teens
Teens can encounter many environmental concerns as they move through high school. These concerns include exposure to sexual violence. In the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found:
- As many as 11% of students reported sexual violence victimization by anyone in the previous year.
- Nearly 60% of those who reported sexual violence by anyone also reported sexual Teen Dating Violence.
- Over 8% of students surveyed reported experiencing forced sexual intercourse in their lifetime.
The experience of sexual violence can severely affect teens’ mental well-being. The same study found female students surveyed reported higher exposure to sexual violence. These female students also reported higher rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Youth who identified as LGBQ+ reported experiencing the highest rates of all forms of violence. Over half of students in the group reported poor mental health in the past month.
Lessening the mental impact of sexual violence among those of all ages becomes possible through quality care. To meet the quality standard, care providers must accommodate the link between survivors’ experiences with trauma and their mental health.
Contributing to trauma-informed care
How can we provide trauma-informed care that fosters the mental well-being of sexual violence survivors? As guidance, RAINN breaks down the support process into TALK:
- Thank them for telling you.
- Ask how you can help.
- Listen without judgment.
- Keep supporting.
The organization also shares a Friends and Family Toolkit. The toolkit offers tips for the long-term support process. It, too, covers considerations depending on your relationship with a survivor. To help meet youth’s mental health care needs, teachers and school administrators can use the CDC’s What Works in Schools program. The program serves to address the barriers to mental health experienced by teens — including sexual violence — by:
- Improving health education.
- Connecting young people to the health services they need.
- Making school environments safer and more supportive.
All community members can contribute to shaping a trauma-informed care experience for survivors. In this sense, all can also play a part in forming a path towards healing and recovery from sexual trauma.
Where survivors can find mental health treatment
If you are a survivor of sexual violence, you are not alone in meeting your mental health needs.
Mental Health America offers an online mental health screening as a free tool for determining if any symptoms experienced match those of a mental health condition, such as PTSD, anxiety or depression. For more than a snapshot of your mental health, you can contact a mental health provider for a more detailed assessment.
Various mental health care treatment and support resources are available through SAMSHA. These resources include tools for setting up an appointment for mental health treatment and finding a support group or local program. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center also covers mental health resources specific to people of color.
For immediate referral information for mental health treatment, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline.