By: Hannah Jagiri

Rape is a heinous crime that leaves scars on its survivors, both physically and psychologically. The aftermath of sexual assault can be seen through every aspect of a survivor’s life, altering their sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. Let’s delve into the profound consequences of rape and shed light on the pain endured by Survivors.

Physical Effects of Rape

There are a variety of physical effects caused by rape (Gluck, 2022).

 1. Visible Trauma

Bruising and Bleeding:  Forced sexual assault often results in visible bruising or bleeding in and around the vaginal or anal area, as well as on other parts of the body, due to coercive violence.

Painful Intercourse:  Survivors may experience pain during sexual intercourse with their partner.

Urinary Infections:  Infections can occur due to trauma or exposure during the assault.

2. Reproductive Health Implications

Pregnancy:  Rape can lead to unwanted pregnancies, adding an additional layer of trauma (Rape Crisis, 2024). 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases:  Survivors are at risk of contracting STDs such as HIV, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Psychological Effects of Rape

The effects of rape aren’t just physical; rape leaves a variety of psychological wounds on its Survivors (Gluck,2022).

1. Self-Blame and Coping Mechanisms

Self-Blame:  Survivors often blame themselves as an avoidance-based coping tool. Self-blame can hinder the healing process.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):  PTSD causes feelings of severe anxiety, stress, and reliving the trauma that haunts Survivors.

Depression: The weight of the experience can lead to deep depression.

Flashbacks: Memories of the assault often resurface as if the horror is happening again.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD leads to emotional instability and difficulty regulating emotions.

Sleep Disorders: Survivors may experience nightmares and disrupted sleep patterns.

Eating Disorders:  Trauma from rape may manifest in disordered eating habits.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID):  DID leads to experiencing a fragmented sense of self.

2. Social and Emotional Impact

Rape has a variety of social-emotional impacts on the Survivor (Joyful Heart Foundation, 2024), (Rape Crisis, 2024). 

Distrust of Others:  Survivors become uneasy in everyday social situations, questioning the intentions of those around them.

Anger:  Survivors may experience rage at the violation they endured.

Feelings of Powerlessness:  Many Survivors feel that the rapist robbed them of control over their bodies, leaving them feeling helpless.

The Long-Term Journey

The aftermath of rape is a complex web of acute and chronic effects. Survivors require comprehensive care that addresses both the immediate and long-term consequences. Sadly, intimate relationships often disintegrate within a year after the assault, exacerbating the psychological impact. Some Survivors, especially those who experienced extreme violence or were assaulted at a young age, may need lifelong treatment (Gluck,2022).

As a society, we must recognize the gravity of these consequences and provide unwavering support to Survivors. Healing begins with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to dismantling the culture that perpetuates sexual violence.

Survivors are not defined solely by their trauma. They are resilient individuals deserving of compassion and healing. Let us stand together to create a world where no one suffers in silence and justice prevails for all survivors of sexual assault.

At ARO, we are here to support your personal healing journey towards your complete well-being. We bring solutions and real-time education for 21 different types of abuses. The most prevalent abuses are Sexual Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Isolation Abuse, Child Abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Workplace Abuse, Religious Abuse, Medical Abuse, Food Abuse, Authority Abuse, Educational Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, and Political Abuse. Support our efforts by visiting GoARO.org and NormTherapy.com to sign up for Norm Therapist® Training to become one of our dynamic staff members who serve Victims and Survivors of abuse worldwide, schedule Norm Therapy® sessions, become a Live Stream Volunteer, join our mailing list to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community, and provide life-saving financial assistance with a generous donation.

References 

Gluck, S. (2022, January 2). Effects of rape: Psychological and physical effects of rape. HealthyPlace. https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/rape/effects-of-rape-psychological-and-physical-effects-of-rape 

Rape Crisis. (2024). Impacts of sexual violence and abuse. Rape Crisis England & Wales. https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/about-sexual-violence/impacts-of-sexual-violence-and-abuse/ 

Joyful Heart Foundation. (2024). Effects of Sexual Assault and Rape. Joyfulheartfoundation.org. https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/learn/sexual-assault-rape/effects-sexual-assault-and-rape