Sexual Assault Treatment
After experiencing sexual assault, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, not only to address physical injuries but also to collect forensic evidence that can be used if the survivor chooses to pursue legal action. Sexual assault is a traumatic event that can profoundly impact a person's physical, emotional and mental well-being. Sexual assault treatment for survivors goes beyond immediate medical care, addressing long-term health needs, emotional healing and recovery.
What Is Sexual Assault?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines sexual assault as any form of sexual activity or contact initiated without the explicit consent of the individual involved (rape, unwanted sexual touching and verbal sexual harassment). Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault, such as children, teenagers, the elderly, individuals with developmental or physical disabilities and those impaired by drugs or alcohol. These groups are at higher risk because they may lack the capacity to understand the situation, recognize the abuse or provide informed consent. Sexual abuse refers explicitly to assault involving minors and adolescents, where the power imbalance is often exploited, leaving victims unable to fully grasp the nature of the abuse or assert their autonomy.
What Are the Physical Effects of Sexual Assault?
The physical effects of sexual assault can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the assault and the individual's overall health. Immediately after a sexual assault, survivors might experience shock, emotional distress and physical injuries. Over time, they can face ongoing health problems, such as chronic pain, mental health issues like anxiety and depression and difficulties coping with everyday situations. These challenges often interact, creating a cycle of stress that affects all aspects of their lives, including their economic well-being and overall quality of life.
Short-term physical health consequences of sexual assault may include:
- Injuries: Bruises, cuts, fractures and other injuries may occur immediately after assault, particularly if there was physical force involved.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Survivors are often at risk of contracting STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes. Preventative medications can reduce this risk if administered promptly.
- Pregnancy: Unwanted pregnancies can result from sexual assault. Emergency contraception is available to help prevent pregnancy if taken within a specified timeframe.
- Chronic pain: Survivors may experience ongoing pain in areas affected by the assault, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, body aches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches and appetite changes.
Post-traumatic stress after sexual assault can also manifest as physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, joint and muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches and pain, among others. It is essential to note the experiences of post-traumatic stress after sexual assault can vary widely from individual to individual.
The physical effects of sexual assault can last a lifetime and often continue into old age. For example, child sexual abuse has been linked to chronic health conditions in adulthood, such as heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disorders and diabetes. Studies have found that survivors of nonconsensual sex are more likely to experience physical health issues like high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease and disabilities, including mobility limitations and chronic conditions like asthma. Additionally, survivors may engage in high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse or having multiple sexual partners, which further increases their risk of health complications. Physical care for survivors should be sensitive and trauma-informed, recognizing the unique needs and boundaries of each individual.
How To Heal from Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, it is crucial to remember this: it is never your fault.
Sexual violence is a serious crime, no matter who did it or where it happened. You deserve support and do not have to go through this alone.
There are compassionate sexual assault services ready to help you, whether or not you choose to report the incident to the police. Take the time you need to process what has happened and know that seeking help does not immediately commit you to any decisions.
Getting medical attention as soon as possible is essential—not just for treating injuries but also for preventing pregnancy and STIs. If you think you might want to report the assault, the sooner a forensic exam is done, the better the chance of preserving evidence.
After an assault, try to avoid washing or changing your clothes right away. It can be tough, but doing so could help protect vital evidence if you later decide to involve the police. Remember, your safety and well-being come first, and there are people ready to support you every step of the way. Some places you can get sexual assault services include:
- A doctor or practice nurse
- A voluntary organization
- A hospital accident and emergency department
- A genitourinary medicine or sexual health clinic
- A contraceptive clinic
- The police or dial 911
Healing from sexual assault is a deeply personal and varied process. Survivors are encouraged to seek support from professionals and trusted individuals.
Find a Women's Health Practitioner in Nacogdoches, TX
HealthCare is Better Together.
Nacogdoches Medical Partners offers comprehensive care tailored to the needs of sexual assault survivors. Our certified women's health practitioners provide confidential and compassionate care, guiding survivors through recovery and connecting them with necessary resources. We are here for you at each step of your journey to recovery and healing. Connect with us at 936-305-5277 to schedule a consultation today.