Sexual Violence and Its Consequences

Sexual violence has severe, long-lasting consequences for victims, their family, friends and communities. It affects children, women and men, and people of all ages and backgrounds. But certain groups of people are at higher risk of sexual violence than others – for example, women with disabilities, Indigenous women and women living in rural or remote areas.

Sexual assault, rape and sexual harassment are all crimes and they can have devastating effects on a person’s mental health and functioning. People who have experienced sexual violence often report having difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and being jumpy or on edge. They may also experience feelings of anger, anxiety, depression and fear.

It is important to remember that sexual violence is never a victim’s fault. It doesn’t matter whether they were dressed in seductive clothing, drinking or using drugs, out alone at night, on a date with the perpetrator or not wearing a bra. Nor is it their fault if they were unconscious, or that they gave their assailant their consent by touching them inappropriately.

Consent must be freely given by both parties and can be verbal or non-verbal. Consent cannot be obtained by coercion or manipulation and it must be given freely and willingly – not through silence, denial or force. It is not possible for people under the age of 18 to give consent and caretakers (persons who support, help or watch over individuals such as parents, babysitters, teachers) are unable to obtain consent for individuals under their charge.

The reasons for sexual violence vary and are influenced by many factors including culture and attitudes to gender roles. Women from cultures that promote male superiority and social and cultural inferiority of women are more likely to experience sexual violence. In these cultures, gendered expectations and roles are more rigid and women are less able to assert their autonomy.

Similarly, in sociocentric cultures, men are more likely to see women as objects and act aggressively towards them. This is because of the way that men from these cultures view relationships between women and themselves – in particular, their role as “brothers” and their sense of masculine dominance over women. This type of culture is more likely to contribute to sexual violence than ego-centric cultures where men feel their relationships are more private and individualistic.

If someone you know has been raped, you should encourage them to take the appropriate legal steps. This will help to rebalance power in the relationship, to establish new norms about what is acceptable and to send the message that sexual violence is a criminal offense. The victim will likely need your help with this so make sure you are there to listen and support them. It is important that they call the police and do not bathe, douche or change clothes as this may destroy evidence in a crime investigation. It is a good idea to seek the assistance of a professional therapist and a lawyer who can support them through the legal process.