Title: Overcoming Sexual Assault: Symptoms & Recovery | Psychology Today
Headings: Overcoming Sexual Assault: Symptoms & Recovery
Elyssa Barbash Ph.D.
Overcoming Sexual Assault: Symptoms & Recovery
Seeking treatment after sexual assault is incredibly important.
Sexual Assault Statistics
What Is Sexual Violence?
Common Experiences and Symptoms Following Sexual Assault
Unhelpful Ways of Coping
When to Seek Treatment
THE BASICS
Effective Treatments

Content: One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2015). One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2015). Sexual assault is an under-reported crime. It is estimated that only 63% of incidents are reported to the authorities—and just 12% of child sexual abuse cases (NSVRC, 2015). Beyond the obvious legal implications of not reporting these crimes, those who do not report sexual assault incidents are less likely to receive appropriate treatment. This can mean months or years of struggling with anxiety, depression, intrusive memories, and intimacy difficulties. What Is Sexual Violence? The term “sexual violence” is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse. Sexual assault is defined by the United States Department of Justice as “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.” This can mean inappropriate and unwanted touching and forced sexual acts (including attempted acts) such as sexual intercourse or oral sex.