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Sexual assault is a blanket term that consists of a wide range of victimizations. It occurs when a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity, whether completed or attempted.
Survivors of sexual assault can be of any age, gender, and background. While we understand that some communities are at a heightened risk of experiencing sexual violence, anyone can be a victim and everyone is affected directly, or indirectly.
“Nonconsensual” means that you did not freely agree to the sexual conduct or penetration. For example, if you “agreed” to the sexual contact because you were being threatened with physical harm that would not be considered that you “freely agreed” to the contact.
However, it can also have a much broader definition. Sexual harassment, for instance, can include creating a hostile environment, pervasive and unwanted jokes and comments, and behavior and body language that makes an individual feel harassed and unsafe.
Let’s Talk: Definitions of Terms | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
There are many common reactions to sexual violence. Not all survivors of sexual violence are the same, nor will any act of sexual violence affect two people in the same way. There is no wrong or right way to feel or react. As the body and mind process the devastation of sexual violence, many different emotions, behaviors, and physical responses appear and disappear and may reappear.
· Shame | · Guilt |
· Denial | · Minimizing |
· Boundaries | · Trust |
· Safety | · Isolation |
· Amnesia | · Dissociation |
· Anesthesia | · Physical |
· Emotional | · Cognitive
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Other related issues that may emerge are eating disorders, physical changes, changes in sexuality, substance abuse, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, anger, and mood disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress.
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For a more information please visit The Effects of Sexual Assault WCSAP
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