Common Reactions to Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any act of physical or emotional violence that occurs when a person is not free to give their consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, unwanted touching or other forms of coercive sexual contact such as harassment or exhibitionism.

There are many different reactions to sexual violence. Not every survivor of sexual assault will react the same way, but there are some common reactions to be aware of. It is important to understand these common reactions so that you can support a survivor and be prepared if they talk to you about their experience.

Often, survivors of sexual assault are afraid to tell because they don’t believe it happened to them or don’t know who to trust. This is not the victim’s fault, but it can affect their ability to seek help and heal from the abuse. Children and young people may be reluctant to talk about sexual violence because they think it is their own fault, they have no power over their actions and they don’t understand that the perpetrator is wrong. Moreover, they might fear that telling will ruin their family life or cause problems in school or work. In addition, they might worry that their abuser will harm them or someone else if they speak out.

A person who commits sexual violence can be punished the same as any other criminal who commits a crime. This is because sexual violence violates the dignity and autonomy of a human being.

Perpetrators of sexual violence may use a variety of tactics to overpower their victims and force them into an unwanted sexual act or act of coercive sexual contact. These tactics include using physical strength, intimidation, blackmail or threats – either psychological or physical – and a combination of these strategies. Sometimes, offenders find pleasure in the control and humiliation of their victims which overrides their sexual desires.

Many times, offenders will lie to their victims to make them believe that they have done nothing wrong. They may say they did not touch them or that it was an accident. They will also sometimes tell their victims that the assault was not as bad as they claim, which can make them feel even more ashamed to report the incident.

Some of the most common signs that a person is being abused or has been sexually assaulted include changes in their behavior, emotions, and body. They might withdraw from friends and activities or drop out of classes, for example. They may show unexplained bruises or cuts on their bodies. They might become irritable and have trouble sleeping. They may have a change in appetite or experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Sexual assault can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or race. It can be committed by a close friend, a family member or a stranger. Whether the assault is in the past or present, it is still an act of violence and the offender must be held accountable.