The Effects of Sexual Assault on Victims

[Tautoko Mai]

What happens when children are sexually assaulted or molested? A lot of times, victims aren't able to cope with the consequences of being sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. The effects can in fact be very devastating, not only to the life of the victims, but to their families and friends as well. The immediate result is a grievous sense of loss. The mental and physical being of a child victim suffer huge blows. sexual assault hamilton

So when we talk about the tangible effects of sexual assault on the victims, one thing is guaranteed - that every portion and aspect of their lives are affected. Anxiety and fear are two common signs but for so many victims, it does not end there. There is a seemingly endless anguish that can wholly ruin their future.

One of the immediate effects is the sudden absence and lack of self-worth. When children are sexually assaulted, they usually think that it's their fault - though of course that isn't true. Sex offenders are so good at grooming their victims that by the time they are finished abusing them, the victims develop a sense of self-blame - that they actually deserve what happened to them. Unlike other crimes that do not involve sexual exploitation, victims can always recall the disturbing experience although they don't intend to. abused sexual hamilton

This means that the long term effects of child sexual abuse are far worse compared to any other type of crime. You can be robbed, battered, swindled, or seriously injured but as soon as the wounds of those crimes are healed, you also heal. But with sexual abuse, effects will linger on for life.

Aside from the lack of self-worth, child victims are denied of their right to grow and develop normally and build a great future ahead. The opportunity to live a good and promising life ahead is at risk when children are sexually abused. Their lives are placed on a stagnant state. They become trapped in it and instead of going outside trying to bring back what's lost, they instead opt to turn their backs and think that the world is against them and that even God Himself hates them. This is the very reason why so many victims do not live to see their adult lives. Many of them cannot simply withstand the trauma that the only way to escape it is putting an end to their lives. sexually assaulted hamilton

Although there are so many crimes and offenses that can be directed to a person, nothing is more gruesome effect-wise to that of sexual abuse. Why? - Because robbery, battery, torture, and all other victims of common crimes do not end their own lives after the experience. But for sexual abuse and molestation victims, suicidal tendency is very common.

How about those who are able to manage themselves out of committing suicide? Unfortunately for those who seem to handle the abuse well, negative effects may still appear. Although they choose not to end their own lives, they may exhibit signs of the trauma such as post traumatic stress disorder, paranoia, and other behavioral disorders. Much worse, some of these victims may resort to drug and alcohol addiction in order to temporarily escape the unwanted memories of the abuse. sexual abuse helpline

As we can observe, victims of child sexual assault and abuse have everything to lose. It is very painful to see that while they were the ones who experienced the abuse, they are also the ones who will continue to suffer the effects of it in the future. The main point is that we as a society have to endorse a comprehensive and supportive approach towards victims.