Sexual abuse and violence

Sexual violence and abuse is any behaviour of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, childhood sexual abuse, female genital mutilation pestering, name calling and threatening to get sex from ‘elsewhere’ in order to manipulate someone who does not want to have sex at that time into having sex. Sexually abusive relationships can include being forced to watch pornography as well as being forced into having sex with the perpetrator’s friends or into prostitution.

The long-term effects of sexual violence can include many emotional, psychological and physical conditions. The experience of sexual assault or abuse at any age and whether male or female can have devastating effects on every aspect of a person’s being and life – on their mind, their body, their behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

It can be a fine line between two consenting adults experimenting sexually and one person feeling pressured into performing an act which they experience as degrading or frightening. Sufferers of abuse often blame themselves and do not report the assault.

Often people will question if it is rape if the couple are married. The answer is always yes. Rape is rape whether or not it is within a marriage. Rape and sexual abusive relationships are criminal regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.

Whilst both men and women may experience incidents, women are considerably more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of violence, including sexual violence. They are also more likely to have experienced sustained physical, psychological or emotional abuse, sometimes leading to serious injury or death.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, no matter your age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted or abused may have many of the same feelings and reactions as other survivors of sexual assault, but they may also face some additional challenges because of social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity.

What kind of effects can survivors experience?

It varies from individual to individual, but common effects include; feelings of isolation, depression, anger, anxiety, issues about sexuality and gender, substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, negative body image, fears about abusing, hyperconsciousness of body and appearance, and even split or multiple personalities.

Who else is affected?

The psychological and mental health issues which survivors often experience can also lead to real problems with relationships. So, anyone who shares their life with a survivor of sexual abuse, be it partner, friend or family member, can be affected.

Violence of any kind is not acceptable and should not be tolerated whether the victim is male or female. Every person has the right to live a life free from violence. If you would like more information about sexual abuse, the effects and how to break free then you may find the web link below helpful.

workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.