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Patron:
Prof. Germaine Greer

©CARA 2008
Updated: June 22, 2008

 


Short and Long Term Effects of Rape & Sexual Assault


The trauma experienced following rape and/or sexual assault may manifest itself either immediately after the attack or, as is frequently the case, some long time afterwards. Attacks affect all individuals differently, but many of the following are common in survivors:

 

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Short Term

Physical injuries
Sexually transmitted diseases
Pregnancy
Feeling of powerlessness
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Fear
Guilt
Shame
Physical repulsion
Anger
Anxiety
Despair
Terror
Rage
Numbness
Confusion
Loss of control
Sleeplessness
Self-blame

Obviously, some of these can persist for a very long time. Some can also develop into longer term effects on behaviour and emotional well-being

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Long Term

Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Depression
Anxiety and panic attacks
Self-harm
Para-suicide
Promiscuity
Lack of self-esteem
Eating disorders
Sexual problems
Physical problems
Drug and alcohol abuse
Alienation and aloneness
Never able to trust anyone
Suicide

 

 
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