The psychology of healing from sexual trauma

A deeper look at what happens in the first 2 years after experiencing sexual trauma.

a post by Jaimee Bell for the Big Think blog

Content Warning:
The content in this article may be triggering to some readers. This article contains discussion around the topics of sexual assault, rape, sexual violence, trauma and PTSD. Please read at your own discretion.

• Between 17-25% of women and 1-3% of men will report an instance of sexual abuse within their lifetime - however, research suggests up to 80% of sexual violence goes unreported, so the number of people who have experienced sexual abuse is much higher than you think.
• A 2004 study takes a look at the psychological healing process sexual abuse survivors experience within the first 21 months after their assault.
• Results of this study prove the decrease in behavioural self-blame that survivors reported feeling within the first 21 months after their attack greatly aided in their recovery.

Continue reading but DO heed the warning above and be aware that the research referred to took place in the USA.

Labels:
mental_health, emotions, fear, depression, psychology, violence, PTSD, pain, sexual_violence,

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