Sexual Violence
IMPACTS & EFFECTS
Sexual violence, assault, and gender violence occurs all around us, and more often than you think.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact our REACH Center 24 hour helpline at 518.943.4482. You are not alone.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE DOES HARM
Sexual Violence happens. It happens in every community​ and to anyone — any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. The effects reach beyond physical, bodily harm — causing harm to mental health, relationships, and the community.
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Our REACH Center helpline is here to support, 24/7.
We're here for you
Safety & Supports
REACH Center 24 Hour Support Helpline
(518) 943-4482
Call our REACH Center helpline anytime, 24 hours a day. Trained staff provide crisis counseling and support services.
Learn the facts
THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Sexual violence impacts the whole person — mind, body, relationships, behavior, and sense of safety. Effects may be immediate or delayed, short-term or long-lasting, and can change over time.
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Trauma reactions are adaptive survival responses, not weaknesses. Survivors may experience some of these effects but not others, or experience the effects weeks, months, or even years later.
Sexual violence takes its toll
Mental Health & Emotional Impacts
Depression
Survivors may experience persistent sadness, numbness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can also show up as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, or feelings of worthlessness.
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Flashbacks
Flashbacks are intense, involuntary memories where a survivor feels as though the assault is happening again. These can be triggered by sounds, smells, places, people, or situations — sometimes without warning.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD may develop after experiencing trauma. Symptoms can include:
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Intrusive memories or nightmares
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Avoidance of reminders
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Heightened anxiety or hyper-vigilance
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Emotional numbness or detachment
PTSD can affect relationships, work, school, and overall sense of safety.
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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Survivors may experience constant worry, panic attacks, or fear — especially in situations that feel unsafe or out of control.
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Dissociation
Dissociation is a coping response where someone feels disconnected from their body, thoughts, emotions, or surroundings. This can include feeling “numb,” spaced out, unreal, or detached from reality.
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Self-Harm
Some survivors engage in self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, regain a sense of control, or release emotional pain. This is a sign of distress — not attention-seeking.
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Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
Sexual violence significantly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. These thoughts can come and go, intensify during periods of stress, or emerge long after the assault.
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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, help is available
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Call MHACG’s MCAT: 518-943-5555​
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Call MHACG’s REACH Center 24/hr. Assault, Crime, & Abuse Helpline: 518-943-4482
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Call 988 for the 24/hr. national crisis lifeline
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Substance Use
Substances can be a dangerous way to cope with the trauma. Survivors may turn to utilizing substances to temporarily forget, numb the emotional pain, or find relief. Substances can create additional, harmful effects on physical and mental wellbeing.
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Hyper-vigilance
Survivors may remain in a heightened state of alertness, constantly scanning for danger. This response is rooted in trauma and can be exhausting over time.
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Emotional Numbness
Some survivors experience difficulty feeling emotions — including joy, connection, or motivation — as the nervous system attempts to protect against overwhelm.
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Shame and Self-Blame
Even though responsibility always lies with the person who caused harm, survivors may internalize blame or feel deep shame due to societal myths, grooming, or manipulation.
Sexual violence takes its toll
Physical & Somatic Effects
Chronic Pain
Survivors may experience headaches, pelvic pain, gastrointestinal issues, or generalized body pain that persists long after the assault.
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Fatigue and Low Energy
Ongoing stress responses, disrupted sleep, and emotional strain can contribute to chronic exhaustion.
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Gastrointestinal Issues
Trauma is closely connected to digestive health. Survivors may experience nausea, appetite changes, stomach pain, or irritable bowel symptoms.
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Gynecological or Sexual Health Concerns
Some survivors experience pain during intimacy, changes in sexual desire, or fear related to physical closeness. These effects are rooted in trauma, not personal failure.​​
Sexual violence takes its toll
Behavioral & Coping-Related Effects
Avoidance
Survivors may avoid people, places, conversations, or activities that remind them of the assault — even when avoidance disrupts daily life.
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Changes in Risk-Taking
Some individuals may engage in higher-risk behaviors, while others may become extremely cautious or withdrawn.
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Control-Seeking Behaviors
Strict routines, perfectionism, or the need to control environments can emerge as coping strategies following trauma.​​
Sexual violence takes its toll
Identity, Relationship & Interpersonal Effects
Difficulty Trusting Others
Trust may feel unsafe or fragile, particularly in close relationships or authority dynamics..
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Changes in Intimacy
Survivors may struggle with physical or emotional closeness, experience conflicting feelings about intimacy, or feel disconnected from their body.
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Isolation or Withdrawal
Fear, shame, or feeling misunderstood may lead survivors to pull away from friends, family, or social supports.
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Changes in Self-Esteem
Survivors may experience diminished self-worth or question their identity, boundaries, or judgment.
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Disruption to Education or Employment
Concentration difficulties, emotional distress, and safety concerns can interfere with school, work, or career goals.
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Loss of Safety or Worldview
Many survivors report a shift in how safe the world feels, how they perceive others, or how they view their own autonomy.
