According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime. These numbers likely underestimate the problem, as many cases of sexual assault are never reported.

Among those most at risk for sexual violence are young people. The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. But what constitutes sexual violence?

The CDC defines sexual violence as “sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given.” This includes rape, fondling or groping, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, and sexual exploitation.

The aftermath of sexual violence is often devastating, affecting relationships, daily functioning, as well as overall health. And the consequences may threaten your well-being if neglected or ignored. With that said, let’s examine some of the ways sexual trauma impacts young adults, and how developing healthy coping mechanisms can help bring empowerment and lasting healing from sexual trauma.

The Impact of Sexual Trauma

Although the impact of sexual trauma varies from person to person, it presents unique challenges for those affected. Many who suffer from sexual violence experience lingering symptoms that impact long-term physical, mental, emotional, and psychological health.

As a survivor of sexual assault, you may sustain bodily injuries that lead to chronic physical ailments like arthritis, pelvic pain, digestive issues, intense premenstrual symptoms, or non-epileptic seizures, says VerywellMind.com. Also, rape puts you at an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, which can cause additional health problems.

Sexual Trauma and Your Mental Health

Sexual trauma is linked to mental health disorders as well. A study published by the McGill Journal of Medicine found that sexual assault is the most frequent cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women. Likewise, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), reports that nearly 31% of all rape victims developed PTSD sometime during their lifetime.

PTSD, which occurs in response to a traumatic event, is associated with eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, and major depression. MUSC research also confirms that rape victims are three times more likely to suffer a major depressive episode and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic warns that sexual trauma may contribute to a loss of sense of self, emotional dysregulation, or even derealization. Frequently, the perpetrator is a trusted friend or family member, prompting you as a survivor to question what you have known to be true about yourself, others, and the world around you. Consequently, you may struggle with identity, emotional outbursts, or disassociate from reality.

Sexual trauma can interfere with your daily responsibilities and relationships, too. Intrusive thoughts, disturbing memories, or flashbacks make it challenging to complete tasks at home and work. It also complicates your romantic relationships, where intimacy is crucial for connection. For these reasons and others, it’s essential to learn how to cope with sexual trauma.

How to Cope With Sexual Trauma

If you desire healing from sexual trauma, you should not only seek professional treatment but consider adopting some helpful personal practices. The following coping strategies are recommended to manage the effects of sexual trauma and work toward healing from sexual assault:

• Try Psychotherapy
  Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental conditions by verbal communication and interaction. Some types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of sexual trauma include:
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – helps to challenge and change unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy – teaches how to gradually confront trauma-related memories, fears, or situations by facing them in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy – attempts to resolve imbalances in the brain connected to traumatic events based on the science of rapid eye movement.
    
• Build a Support Network
  Everyone needs a reliable support network, whether you’re dealing with sexual trauma or navigating the ups and downs of everyday life. Surround yourself with trustworthy friends and family members who can listen and help in critical times. During recovery, maintaining healthy relationships is essential for encouragement and accountability.
  
• Practice Mindfulness
  If you’re struggling with PTSD, mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of where you are and what you’re doing without becoming overwhelmed by what’s happening around you. Practices like stretching, yoga, and walking can ease chronic pain, while mindfulness meditation helps slow racing thoughts and release negativity.
  
• Connect With Others
  It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Support groups provide opportunities to meet others who share similar experiences, gain insight, and offer encouragement. Look for online communities and local gatherings for survivors of sexual assault.

Healing from sexual trauma is possible, but it requires intentional effort. Equip yourself with the right tools and support to help you along your recovery journey.

Healing From Sexual Trauma and Assault

If you are healing from sexual assault, early intervention is crucial. Mental health experts agree that addressing trauma early can help reduce the potential impact of post-traumatic stress.

Along with targeted therapies like CPT, PE, and EMDR, trauma-informed care (TIC) is highly effective for sexual trauma. TIC recognizes that everyone processes trauma differently and focuses on your unique experience.

TIC uses a personalized approach designed to improve your comfort, trust, and participation in treatment, leading to better health outcomes. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, trauma-informed care includes:

• Limiting power imbalances between the survivor and the clinicians
• Offering survivors choices and options
• Being transparent about what to expect
• Framing questions in a non-demanding, open way
• Ensuring privacy and confidentiality
• Leveraging the survivor’s strengths and gifts in their healing process

More healthcare professionals are beginning to see the value of TIC and incorporating its principles into their practices. Be sure to seek out a provider certified in trauma-informed care, such as the services we offer at the Claudia Black Young Adult Center.

Learn How to Heal From Sexual Trauma at Claudia Black Center

Living with sexual trauma does not have to define you. If you are unsure how to heal from sexual trauma, we’re here to help. The Claudia Black Young Adult Center specializes in treating unresolved trauma from sexual abuse and assault, providing an intensive, experiential program for young adults ages 18 to 26.

Because every person’s healing journey is different, we use a range of time-tested, proven techniques to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is to help young adults recover, rediscover their sense of self, and move forward with empowerment. Contact us to learn how we can support you or your loved one on the path to healing.