Understanding Sexual Violence
Sexual violence refers to any sexual activity that occurs without consent. It includes a range of behaviors such as sexual assault, rape, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.
Sexual violence can occur in many settings and may involve individuals known to the survivor.
No survivor is ever responsible for the violence committed against them.
Mental Health Effects
Sexual violence can have lasting emotional and psychological effects.
Survivors may experience:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Difficulty trusting others
- Emotional numbness
Each survivor's healing journey is unique, and recovery may involve therapy, community support, advocacy services, and trauma-informed care.
Supporting Survivors
Supporting survivors requires compassion, patience, and respect for their autonomy.
Helpful ways to support survivors include:
- Listening without judgment
- Believing their experience
- Respecting their decisions
- Encouraging professional support if needed
- Maintaining confidentiality
Healing takes time, and supportive environments can play a powerful role in recovery.
Sexual Violence Statistics
Understanding the scope of sexual violence in the United States:
1 in 3
Women
Experience sexual violence in their lifetime
1 in 4
Men
Experience sexual violence in their lifetime
81%
Women
Report significant short or long-term impacts
94%
Survivors
of sexual assault experience PTSD symptoms within two weeks
Ways to Heal / What Helps
Every survivor's healing journey is unique. Here are some approaches that can help:
You Are Not Alone
Whether you're a survivor seeking support or an ally wanting to help, Posterity is here for you.
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