Sexual assault inflicts deep wounds, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. For the millions of Americans who have endured this trauma, the impact can be profound and long-lasting. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia, we have worked with countless brave survivors seeking justice and beginning the difficult process of healing. In this article, we will explore the psychological repercussions of sexual assault and discuss the legal rights and options available to survivors and their loved ones.
The Mental Health Effects of Sexual Assault
Psychologists and other mental health professionals recognize sexual assault as one of the most emotionally devastating experiences a person can endure. In the immediate aftermath, survivors often experience shock, fear, anxiety, and a sense of unreality as the mind attempts to process such an extreme violation.
In the days and weeks that follow, many survivors develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intrusive memories of the assault may replay in vivid detail. Nightmares, flashbacks, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma are common. Many survivors feel on edge, startling easily, having difficulty concentrating, and struggling to fall or stay asleep.
Depression is another extremely common response. Survivors may feel profoundly sad, empty, or hopeless. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and withdraw from friends and family. Some contemplate suicide.
Many survivors blame themselves for the assault, even though it was in no way their fault. Feelings of guilt, shame and worthlessness are common. This misplaced self-blame, along with mistrust of others and the world in general, can lead survivors to isolate themselves and suffer in silence rather than reaching out for help.
Other psychological effects of sexual assault can include:
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from your body or emotions)
- Difficulty with intimacy and sexual functioning
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, disordered eating, or self-harm
- Strained relationships with partners, family members and friends
- Loss of self-esteem and self-worth
The psychological repercussions often intersect with physical health problems like chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or injuries sustained in the assault. Panic attacks can cause distressing physical symptoms like chest pain, racing heart, and trouble breathing.
It is important for survivors to understand that these psychological reactions, while extremely painful and disruptive, are normal human responses to a profoundly abnormal and traumatic event. With proper support and mental health treatment, it is possible to cope with these effects and gradually heal.
The Importance of Therapy and Counseling
Because the emotional impact of sexual assault is so severe, psychotherapy is strongly recommended for all survivors. A compassionate, trauma-informed therapist can:
- Provide a safe, confidential space to process the trauma
- Help replace self-blame and shame with self-compassion
- Teach healthy coping tools for managing distress
- Process and work through difficult emotions
- Develop strategies for managing PTSD symptoms
- Rebuild self-worth and confidence
- Improve relationships and communication
- Work through blocks around intimacy and sexuality
There are several therapeutic approaches that are effective for healing trauma, including cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic therapies. Many survivors also find peer support groups to be incredibly helpful for reducing isolation and shame.
Holding Perpetrators Accountable
For many survivors, seeking justice through the legal system is an important part of the healing process. Sexual assault is illegal in all 50 states. In Georgia, there are several criminal charges that may apply depending on the circumstances of the assault, the age of the victim, and the relationship with the perpetrator.
Rape, sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery are serious felony charges. Prosecutors must prove these crimes “beyond a reasonable doubt” for a conviction, which is a very high legal standard. Even if there is not enough evidence for criminal prosecution, survivors may still have legal recourse through the civil justice system.
In a civil lawsuit, the standard of proof is lower, “a preponderance of evidence.” This means a jury must determine if it is more likely than not that the sexual assault occurred. A civil case allows the survivor to hold the perpetrator financially accountable for the harm they caused. Damages may include compensation for medical bills, therapy expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your Legal Rights as a Survivor
It is important for all sexual assault survivors to understand their legal rights. If you decide to report the crime, you have the right to:
- File a police report and have your case treated seriously and investigated thoroughly
- Be interviewed by a detective specially trained in sexual assault cases
- Have a victim advocate and/or support person present during police interviews
- Be protected from retaliation, harassment and intimidation by the perpetrator
- Have your name redacted from public police reports if you so choose
- Be informed of the status of your case and any court proceedings
- Make a “victim impact statement” if your case goes to trial
- Have a courtroom advocate to offer support and answer questions during legal proceedings
You also have the right to confidential support services, regardless of whether you choose to report the assault to law enforcement. In Georgia, these services include:
- 24-hour crisis hotlines
- Free or low-cost counseling and support groups
- Emergency housing/shelter services
- Help applying for victim compensation funds
- Legal advocacy
- Assistance navigating the criminal justice process
As a survivor, you also have the right to feel whatever you feel, take as much time as you need to heal, tell your story (or not), and make your own choices about recovery. What happened to you was not your fault. You deserve support, compassion, justice, and peace.
Moving Forward After Sexual Assault
Picking up the pieces after a sexual assault is a gradual process that often feels like two steps forward, one step back. Be patient and gentle with yourself. If you are supporting a loved one through this process, educate yourself about trauma and offer steadfast, nonjudgmental support.At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we are committed to empowering survivors and fighting for justice on their behalf. You do not have to suffer in silence or walk this path alone. Healing is possible. We are here to help.