GS.29: Deep Dive – The Effects of Sexual Violence on Sexual Wellness and Behaviour

Approximate reading time: 3 minutes

Sexual violence is a profoundly traumatic experience that can have wide-ranging effects on an individual’s physiological and psychological well-being. Physiologically, the body may respond to the trauma of sexual violence with increased stress responses, such as heightened cortisol levels, which can lead to a state of constant alertness or feeling “on edge” (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020; Sachs-Ericsson, Cromer, Hernandez, & Kendall-Tackett, 2019). This heightened state of stress can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and other stress-related physical ailments. Psychologically, victims of sexual violence may experience a range of responses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulties with trust and intimacy (Campbell, Dworkin, & Cabral, 2009; Smith et al., 2017). These responses are natural reactions to the trauma experienced and can significantly impact an individual’s mental health and well-being.

The aftermath of sexual violence can also profoundly affect an individual’s sexual expression, behaviors and development. Healthy sexual development and expression are based on principles of consent, mutual respect, and pleasure. However, when someone experiences sexual violence, these principles are violated, leading to potential difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy sexual relationships in the future. Victims may experience changes in their sexual desire, and difficulties with sexual functioning; they may either withdraw from sexual contact or engage in risky sexual behaviours as a coping mechanism (Meston & Lorenz, 2013; Pulverman, Kilimnik, & Meston, 2018). Understanding these impacts is crucial for providing compassionate and effective support to survivors of sexual violence, emphasising the importance of trauma-informed care that acknowledges and addresses the complex interactions between physiological and psychological responses to trauma.