Title: Sexual Assault and Mental Health | Mental Health America
Headings: Sexual Assault and Mental Health
Sexual Assault and Mental Health
What is sexual assault?
Sexual violence is never the victim's fault.
How common is sexual assault?
How does sexual assault impact mental health?
Other Resources on Sexual Assault:

Content: Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator's body; and
Penetration of the victim's body (rape)
It's important to note that force does not just mean physical force, but includes manipulation, coercion, threats, and situations where a person is unable to give consent. [ 1]
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Sexual violence is never the victim's fault. How common is sexual assault? 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. [ 2]
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How does sexual assault impact mental health? Sexual assault can have a variety of short- and long-term effects on a victim's mental health. Many survivors report flashbacks of their assault, and feelings of shame, isolation, shock, confusion, and guilt. People who were victims of rape or sexual assault are at an increased risk for developing: Depression
PTSD
Substance Use Disorders
Eating Disorders
Anxiety
Having a previous history of being a victim and negative reactions from family, friends, and professionals worsen the impact of sexual violence on mental health. [