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If you couldn’t find what you were looking for, you don’t have to try to make sense of it alone. You can ask a question or request a resource from us. We’ll share the question anonymously and a relevant available resource where possible below the submission form on this page. We only provide information on general basis to generic questions (e.g. ‘Could you share more information about image-based sexual abuse?’). Should you need specific legal or medical advice it’s best to consult relevant professional advisers who can advise you based on your individual circumstances. You can find some options for how to find e.g. legal help or a therapist here.
Question:
Is there a resource like this for male sexual assault victims?
Answer:
The information shared on Herstory is evidence-based, and while the majority of available research is on female survivors, we hope the platform can be helpful to all survivors. ‘1 in 6’ is an example of a resource dedicated to male survivors of sexual assault. You can access it here: https://1in6.org/
Question:
How long will it take to heal after sexual assault?
Answer:
Every survivor is different – it may take weeks, months or years to recover.1,2 Based on one study where rape victims were contacted 4-6 years after the assault:
- 37% of victims felt their recovery took months
- 37% felt it took years
- 26% felt they had not yet fully recovered from the assault.1
Another study found that symptoms frequently diminish within three months with the majority of recovery from post-traumatic stress taking place in first three months offering some hope for survivors.
- 81% of sexual assault survivors had significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) one week after the assault
- One month afterward (PTSD can only be diagnosed in symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks) 75% of sexual assault survivors met the criteria for PTSD
- After three months 54% continued to meet the criteria for PTSD
- After one year 41% after continued to meet the criteria for PTSD3
Personal factors, such as previous traumatic exposure, what happens after the assault and the strength of the survivor’s social support network can affect whether or not a person will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the assault.4 Be gentle with yourself, everyone’s healing journey is different. There are steps survivors can take to feel better – explore some of these options here.
Sources:
1. Burgess, A. & Holmstrom, L. (1980). Rape – Crisis and Recovery. Maryland, Robert, J. Brady Company, P. 477. via (Retrieved 9 August 2020). King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. https://www.kcsarc.org/sites/default/files/Resources%20-%20Rape%20Trauma%20Syndrome.pdf
2. Christiansen., D. & Elklit, A. (2008). Risk factors predict post-traumatic stress disorder differently in men and women. Ann Gen Psychiatry 7, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-7-24
3. Dworkin, E. R., Jaffe, A. E., Bedard-Gilligan, M., & Fitzpatrick, S. (2023). PTSD in the Year Following Sexual Assault: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(2), 497–514. ttps://doi.org/10.1177/1524838021103221
4. Catalano, S., Smith, E., Snyder, H. & Rand, M. (2009). Female Victims of Violence. Bureau of Justice Statistics Statisticians. Selected Findings. U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/fvv.pdf
Question:
Can you provide more resources for image-based sexual abuse?
Answer:
Solidground.sg is an online platform that focuses on helping victims of online harassment or image-based sexual abuse specifically. The website provides e.g. guides for managing various situations. Although it is Singapore-based, the resources can be a helpful starting point across localities.
Myimagemychoice.org is a platform which is creating a cultural movement where women speak out about their experiences of image-based sexual abuse, addressing creators and consumers with consequences of their actions. On the website you can find more facts about image-based sexual abuse, definitions and survivor stories.
Question:
Could you please share some survivor stories in relation to how people have overcome anxiety resulting from sexual assault?
Answer:
The ‘After: surviving sexual assault’ podcast and survivor stories on RAINN.org’s website may be a helpful starting point.
1. ‘After: surviving sexual assault’: The podcast was created by survivor, Catriona Morton, in collaboration with BBC. The 21 episode podcast tells the stories of sexual assault survivors overcoming their trauma – the focus is on recovery after sexual assault.
- After: surviving sexual assault on BBC’s website
- After: surviving sexual assault on Catriona Morton’s website
2. RAINN is the United State’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, and has published a variety of survivor stories including survivors sharing strategies which they have found helpful around healing from anxiety following sexual assault:
- Hannah’s story
- Lucy’s story
- Sandra’s story
- Stevie’s story
- Johnathon’s story
- Stephanie’s story
- Khadija’s story
- Lacy’s story
- Christy’s story
- Maya’s story
- Sharon’s story
- Tarhatha’s story
- Danyol’s story
- Tasha’s story
- Megan’s story
- Leilani’s story
- Desarae’s story
- Val’s story
- Georgeta’s story
- Samantha’s story
For survivor stories on responses before, during and after sexual assault, visit Herstory’s survivor stories page.