Effects of sexual violence

Sexual violence is a traumatic experience with wide-ranging and long lasting effects. Some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope while others might try to minimize what has happened and try hard to forget the assault. Each person reacts differently. There are nevertheless many common ways people react to and deal with such a trauma. Some of the effects can show up at different times throughout a person’s life. Here are some examples of the common effects sexual violence can have on its victims:

Survivors may find it difficult to come back to the University after an attack or to avoid seeing the attacker on campus. Many effects can have a negative impact on a student’s studies (lower grades, failures, absences, academic probation, etc.) or on their ability to continue studying (suspension or dropping out). However, help is available for students through the University’s Access Service.