The Mental Health Impact of Sexual Abuse on Women and Girls
- Sujana Nowshin
- Apr 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Headwriter: Sujana Nowshin
Sexual abuse remains a reality for many women and girls worldwide, with profound and lasting consequences on their mental health. The severe trauma from such abuse often leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), leaving survivors struggling with a range of draining symptoms that affect their daily lives.[1] Understanding the consequences of mental health, as well as the multiple techniques required to address them, is critical in building effective survivors’ support systems.
The Gruesome Reality of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse closes a broad spectrum of non-consensual sexual actions, ranging from molestation to rape.
Statistics shows that sexual violence is very common and leaves a long term effects on victims.For instance 94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape.[2] This high number show the urgent need to address the mental health aftermath experienced by survivors
PTSD: A Pervasive Consequence
One of the most pervasive consequences of sexual abuse is the development of PTSD, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD manifests through a variety of symptoms, including intrusive flashbacks, severe anxiety, acute stress response and avoidance of situations related to the trauma.[3] For survivors of sexual abuse, these symptoms can be particularly intense and enduring, significantly damage their ability to function.
The psychological trauma stems not only from the physical act of abuse but also from the violation of trust and autonomy. Survivors often report feelings of powerlessness, shame, and guilt, which compound their PTSD symptoms.[4] The condition can persist for months, years, or even decades if left untreated, deeply affecting the individual’s relationships, work, and overall well-being.
The Silent Struggle; Barriers to Seeking Help
Many women and girls face significant barriers in seeking help for their trauma. Societal stigma surrounding sexual abuse contributes to feelings of shame and fear of not being believed, deterring many survivors from reporting the abuse or seeking professional support. Additionally, cultural norms and victim blaming further silence survivors, leaving them isolated with their trauma.
Another critical barrier is the lack of accessible mental health services. In many regions, particularly in low resource settings, there is a severe shortage of trained mental health professionals and facilities equipped to handle sexual abuse trauma. Survivors often struggle to find compassionate and competent care, worsening their PTSD symptoms.
Pathways to Healing
Addressing the mental health impact of sexual abuse requires a mixed approach that incorporates individual therapy, community support, and systemic change.
Support Networks: Establishing strong community support systems, including support groups and hotlines, can provide survivors with the emotional assistance they need. Peer support from those who have endured similar experiences can be particularly empowering.
Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns are essential to dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual abuse and encourage survivors to seek help. Educational programs in schools and communities can foster a better understanding of consent and create a more supportive environment for survivors.
Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policy changes to enhance legal protections for survivors and ensure access to comprehensive mental health services is crucial. Governments and organizations must work together to implement survivor centered approaches in their response to sexual violence.
Sexual abuse inflicts deep and lasting scars on the mental health of women and girls, with PTSD being one of the most common and debilitating outcomes. Breaking the silence, dismantling stigma, and providing accessible, compassionate care are important in helping survivors navigate their healing journeys. A focus effort from individuals, communities, and policymakers is essential to create a safer and more supportive environment where survivors can reclaim their lives.
Resources
Organisations that provide help for those battling PTSD in Cambodia
The Bamboo Centre
World vision international
International medical corps
Child Helpline Cambodia
Cambodian Center for the Protection of Children's Rights (CCPCR)
Children Foundation Of Cambodia
Youth Resource Development Program
Terre des Hommes Netherlands Cambodia
Care International
Organisations that provide international help for those battling PTSD internationally.
Red Cross International
Oxfam International
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders International)
International Rescue Committee (IRC International)
World Vision International
Plan International
Islamic Relief Worldwide
European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTS)
National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
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VA Disability Appeals
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Sources:
[1]Sexual Assault Awareness Month, https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/2016-01/saam_2016_impact-of-sexual-violence.pdf. Accessed 31 April 2024.
[2]Rainn organisation, https://rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence. Accessed 1 April 2024
[3] Better Health, 9 November 2017, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd. Accessed 20 April 2024.
[4] “Betrayal Trauma and PTSD | Evolve.” Evolve Therapy, 6 November 2023, https://www.evolvetherapymn.com/post/betrayal-trauma-and-ptsd. Accessed 22 April 2024.