The Enduring Impact of Sexual Assault

Understanding Long-Term Challenges for Survivors

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that can have profound and lasting effects on survivors. Here, the Law Office of Scott Herndon provides an informational overview of the serious and often lifelong challenges faced by those who have experienced sexual assault. Footnotes and references are provided.

Focusing on the impact of sexual assault and sexual harassment, the Law Office of Scott Herndon is a trusted advocate.

What are the Psychological Impacts of Sexual Assault?

A crucial study was published by Dr. Emily Dworkin in Trauma Violence Abuse in 2020, “Risk for Mental Disorders Associated with Sexual Assault: A Meta-Analysis.” In this study, Dworkin confirms that a significant percentage of women in the United States will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, with multiple negative consequences, including psychological disorders, educational difficulties, physical health problems, and sexual and relationship dysfunction. While Dworkin focuses on the strong association of PTSD on all survivors of sexual assault, her study is essential reading for understanding the horizon of impacts on all of us from such abuse.

This page is provided as an informational overview for survivors of sexual assault. It is not intended to substitute for expert medical care, or exhaustive academic research. Instead, we encourage our readers to use this article as a starting point in their journey back to health. As lawyers for survivors of sexual assault in Hollywood and Silicon Valley, and with our history of teaching philosophy and social justice at Stanford University, New York University, and the University of California, we depend on these experts to inform our work and support each of clients, one person at a time.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Prevalence: A significant percentage of survivors experience PTSD symptoms after assault, with a substantial portion meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the months following the assault ^[1].
• Persistence: Without treatment, a portion of rape survivors may continue to experience PTSD symptoms years after the assault ^[2].

Depression

• Incidence: A significant percentage of sexual assault survivors may develop major depressive disorder ^[3].
• Chronic nature: Depression symptoms can persist ^[4].

Anxiety Disorders

• Prevalence: Sexual assault survivors may develop anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety ^[5].

Substance Abuse

• Risk increase: Sexual assault survivors are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse problems ^[6].

Chronic Pain

• Incidence: Sexual assault survivors may report chronic pain conditions ^[7].

Gynecological issues

• Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexual dysfunction ^[8].

Cardiovascular Health

• Long-term impact: Sexual assault survivors may have a higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease ^[9].

Social and Interpersonal Challenges

• Survivors may report difficulties in forming or maintaining intimate relationships ^[10].
• Persistent challenges in trusting others, affecting both personal and professional relationships ^[11].

Employment and Academic Performance

• Survivors may report job loss or diminished work performance within one year of the assault ^[12].
• Lower lifetime income and increased likelihood of living below the poverty line ^[13].
• A portion of student survivors may drop out of college ^[14].

Intergenerational Impact:

• Survivors with PTSD may experience difficulties in parenting, potentially affecting attachment and child development ^[15].
• Children of sexual assault survivors may have higher risk of experiencing victimization themselves ^[16].

Economic Burden:

The economic impact of sexual violence is significant. According to a 2018 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated total lifetime costs resulting from rape experienced by adult women in the United States in one year (2015) was $504 billion. These staggering costs include medical care, mental health services, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses. More importantly, these estimates only focus on the costs associated with rape or attempted rape among adult women and do not include the costs associated with other forms of sexual violence or costs for male victims ^[17].

Taken together, the effects of sexual assault extend far beyond the immediate trauma, often resulting in significant challenges for survivors. These impacts include psychological, physical, social, and economic domains, underscoring the need for support and treatment options. Recovery requires ongoing effort and professional help and expert attention to the dignity of all survivors, especially those harmed by the powerful. As your lawyers, we are here to help you and provide access to expert medical, legal, and academic attention at every turn.

We recognize that each survivor’s experience is unique. However, understanding the potential long-term impacts can help in developing more effective support systems and interventions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftermath of sexual assault, please seek professional help and call the Law Office of Scott Herndon at (415) 360-5477.

References:

• [1] Rothbaum, B. O., et al. (1992). Journal of Traumatic Stress, 5(3), 455-475.
• [2] Kilpatrick, D. G., et al. (1987). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(5), 741-747.
• [3] Campbell, R., et al. (2009), Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 10(3), 225-246.
• [4] Kessler, R. C., et al. (1995). Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048-1060.
• [5] Zinzow, H. M., et al. (2012). Journal of Traumatic Stress, 25(1), 1-9.
• [6] Kilpatrick, D. G., et al. (1997). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 834-847.
• [7] Golding, J. M. (1999). Violence and Victims, 14(4), 357-372.
• [8] Jozkowski, K. N., & Sanders, S. A. (2012). Violence and Victims, 27(4), 586-602.
• [9] Mason, S. M., et al. (2013). Circulation, 128(11), 1150-1159.
• [10] van Berlo, W., & Ensink, B. (2000). Annual Review of Sex Research, 11(1), 160-185.
• [11] Coid, J., et al. (2003). British Journal of Psychiatry, 183(4), 332-339.
• [12] Loya, R. M. (2015). Gender & Society, 29(2), 235-258.
• [13] MacMillan, R. (2000). American Sociological Review, 65(4), 630-650.
• [14] Mengo, C., & Black, B. M. (2016). Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 18(2), 234-248.
• [15] DiLillo, D., & Damashek, A. (2003). Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 6(3), 171-196.
• [16] Noll, J. G., et al. (2009). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(3), 403-410.
• [17] Peterson, C., DeGue, S., Florence, C., & Haegerich, T. (2018). The Economic Burden of Rape: Lifetime Costs of Rape or Attempted Rape Among Adult Women in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.