How Do You React to Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is any behaviour of a sexual nature that happens without a person’s consent. It’s a very serious crime and it doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, what was being done or whether someone was drunk or taking drugs – it’s never ok and it is not your fault. Everyone feels different after sexual violence, abuse or assault, but it can have a real impact on your feelings and wellbeing. You may have lots of different responses to sexual violence, including fear, anger and guilt.

People who have been sexually assaulted often feel like they’re no longer in control of their lives, especially when the trauma of the assault is re-experienced in their thoughts or dreams. This is called ‘flashbacks’ and it can be very distressing and scary. Many victims also start to avoid places, situations and/or people that remind them of the attack, which can make it difficult for them to live their lives.

Many people who have been sexually assaulted feel a sense of powerlessness after the incident and can experience difficulty with trusting other people. They may feel unable to talk about what has happened to anyone, which can lead to loneliness and depression.

The most common reaction of sexual assault victims is fear – of being hurt or killed, for example. Victims can have strong fear reactions (to certain sights, sounds, smells, emotions or thoughts) that can last for weeks, months or even years. They might also have problems concentrating or sleeping. They may avoid things that remind them of the attack – such as a particular place or activity – and can become very protective of their children, friends, partners or relatives.

Some people who are affected by sexual violence and/or rape have difficulties with relationships at home, school or work. This can affect their self-esteem and cause them to lose interest in sexual activities. It’s also very common for people who have been sexually assaulted to have a low libido and may not want to engage in any sexual relations with others.

There are a number of different factors that can influence sexual violence, for example the way in which a family punishes women but does not discipline men for their actions can make it more likely that a man will act violently toward his wife. Other influences can be laws and policies at a national level, attitudes towards gender stereotypes and social and cultural norms that lead to misogynist behaviour.

Sexual violence can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, religions and sexualities. It can happen to women, men and children and it can also affect people who are disabled, are elderly or are from minority communities such as those defined as LGBTQ+. People who are assigned female at birth can be particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, including ‘corrective rapes’ that aim to change a person’s gender-explicit behaviour to conform to the dominant male view of what is acceptable, and people who define themselves as transgender or non-binary can be targeted by individuals and organisations.