Understanding the Causes and Effects of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence affects the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people around the world. It is often a form of gender-based violence, rooted in power dynamics and injustice between women and men. It can occur between family members, friends, acquaintances and strangers, and in all social settings. It can cause a range of traumas, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and substance use. It can also impact people’s relationships with their loved ones and the community, including reducing trust in others and isolating themselves.

The causes of sexual violence vary, but include many factors operating at a local level, within families, schools and workplaces. There are also societal influences from laws, policies and norms that influence how violence is used. At the macro level, there is a prevailing attitude of male superiority and culturally defined masculine roles and expectations that can contribute to the perpetration of sexual violence.

There is a high rate of sexual assault and harassment of girls, women and children in all societies. These attacks can take place in the form of sexual touching, rape, physical assault or other forms of unwanted sexual contact, and can be directed towards a person’s gender or sexual orientation. It is important to remember that any kind of sexual violence or assault is never a victim’s fault, and that everyone deserves to feel safe.

Many people who have been sexually assaulted have difficulty talking about what happened to them. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed or guilty that they deserved it or somehow caused the assault to happen. They may also think that the assault was not a serious crime or did not involve a real injury because it did not leave visible marks. This can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety and guilt that can make it hard for victims to come forward and seek help.

It is also important to know that sexual violence can occur in many different ways, and it does not always leave visible injuries. It can include sexually transmitted infections, physical harm and psychological distress. It can lead to a lack of self-esteem, low self-confidence and anxiety, depression, substance use problems and even suicidal thoughts. The effects can also be long-lasting and have a profound impact on relationships, affecting the ability to maintain and develop intimate friendships.

It is possible to prevent sexual violence by supporting the rights of individuals and protecting communities. This can be done by raising awareness, providing education and training, addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting a culture of respect and nonviolence. There are also a number of interventions that have been found to be effective, such as psychotherapy. These include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged-exposure therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. It is also important to understand that there are no ‘normal’ victims and that everyone, regardless of age, gender, body shape or socioeconomic status can become a victim of sexual violence. This includes people with disabilities, who are more likely to be abused and who are at higher risk of being subjected to discrimination because of their disability.