Sexual violence occurs throughout the world. A simple definition is any sexual act for which consent is not obtained or freely given, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rape, sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual contact are a few examples.

While many people heal fully in time, traumatic events like these may contribute to long-lasting health issues such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain mental health conditions. Being aware of these possibilities can help you — and your health care clinicians, if you choose to share with them — identify and respond to health issues promptly.

Our trauma doesn’t have to define us. Knowing how to get proper treatment and support can help people who have experienced sexual violence live fulfilling, healthy lives.

Who is affected by sexual violence?

Statistics vary on different forms of sexual violence. One in four women and one in 26 men in the US report rape or attempted rape during their lifetime, for example.

Anyone can experience sexual violence. But it disproportionately impacts certain groups, such as women, people who are racially or ethnically marginalized or who identify as LGBTQ+, and people with low incomes.

Possible emotional effects of sexual violence: What to know

Most people who experience sexual assault report that it affects their mental health. Depression and anxiety are very common after sexual assault. So is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A review of multiple studies estimates that 75% of people have symptoms of PTSD within a month of the incident, and about 40% continue to have PTSD one year after the incident.

PTSD symptoms may include

• flashbacks
• distressing or intrusive memories or nightmares
• severe anxiety
• dissociation.

People with PTSD may feel numb, angry, helpless, or overwhelmed. They may also avoid triggers that remind them of the traumatic event, like certain places, smells, or objects.

Remember, your mental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Consider finding or asking for a referral for a mental health specialist who specializes in trauma-focused psychotherapy. This might include cognitive processing therapy, exposure-based therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Possible health effects following sexual violence: What to know

Sexual violence can have immediate health effects, of course, and reaching out to get help is important.

Yet weeks, months, or even years later, some — though not all — people develop health issues related to their trauma. Research suggests sexual violence may increase risk for some chronic health conditions, such as

• heart disease
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• chronic pain, including pelvic pain
• frequent headaches or migraines
• irritable bowel syndrome
• substance use disorder, including opiate use.

Seeking treatment can support your healing and well-being. Consider talking to your health care provider if you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions.

How do I talk to my doctor about my history of sexual assault?

It’s important to feel safe and comfortable with your health provider. Here are four helpful tips to consider when seeking health care:

• Ask about trauma-informed care. While sometimes your choice of provider is limited, you may be able to ask to see a clinician who provides trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care acknowledges how trauma impacts our health and promotes an individual’s sense of safety and control.
• Share as little or as much as you like. If you’re comfortable, you can tell your clinician you have a history of sexual assault or trauma. It is your choice whether you want to discuss your trauma history with your health professional. If you choose not to, you can still seek care for any health issues related to your sexual assault. This is a confidential part of your medical record, like any other part of your medical history.
• Starting a conversation. If you decide to share, you can start the conversation with one of these examples:
  • “I want you to know I have a history of trauma.”
  • “My trauma continues to affect my health today in [insert ways].”

If the provider asks follow-up questions about your traumatic experience, know that you can provide as little or as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.

• Medical record confidentiality. Ask if your health care institution provides any extra levels of confidentiality for your medical record. Sometimes, this includes additional access restrictions or passwords to enter your health record. This can be especially important if you have an abusive partner, or another person that you are concerned will try to inappropriately gain access to your medical records.

How can you prepare for a physical exam and talk to a clinician?

• Know that you have choices. A physical exam may help you get care you want or need to address a health issue. Yet sometimes people who have been sexually assaulted find physical exams stressful, difficult, or even traumatic. If your clinician would like to perform a physical exam, know that you can always decline or schedule it for another day or time.
• Consider having a support person present. Sometimes a support person like a good friend may make you more comfortable during your visit or exam. You can also ask the provider to have a second staff member in the room, and request a gender preference.
• Ask the provider to explain things before each step. Before the exam, you can ask the clinician to make sure you understand the steps of the exam. Remember, you can choose to pause or stop the exam at any time.
• Your consent matters. No matter the setting, you always have the right to decide how and when your body is examined and/or touched. All health care providers are held to professional and ethical standards to protect your rights. If a clinician violates this, you have the right to report the incident to the health care employer and/or local law enforcement, and to seek care elsewhere.

A few final thoughts

Sexual violence is never okay under any circumstances. If this has happened to you, know that it is not your fault.

Traumatic experiences like sexual assault can affect the body and mind. They may increase the risk of long-term health issues such as PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, high blood pressure, and chronic pelvic pain. Yet all health conditions related to sexual assault can be effectively treated. And most people who experience trauma heal and go on to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

About the Author

Rose McKeon Olson, MD, MPH, Contributor

Dr. Rose McKeon Olson is an associate physician in the department of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She has special research interests in trauma-informed care and … See Full Bio View all posts by Rose McKeon Olson, MD, MPH