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:
Physical
Physical
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Gynecological problems
- Injury
- Irregular sleep patterns or insomnia
- Loss of appetite, anorexia or bulimia
- Migraines
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Skin or hair conditions
- Stomach or intestinal problems
- Stress-induced conditions
- Unwanted pregnancy
Psychological
Psychological
- Chronic stress, anxiety
- Confusion or amnesia
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating or lack of motivation
- Difficulty enjoying sex
- Fear, aggressiveness, rage
- Feeling empty inside or sad
- Feelings of discomfort or loss of control over your body or life
- Feelings of grief, loss or despair
- Feelings of guilt, shame, disgust or contempt
- Flashbacks
- Lack or loss of identity
- Loss of interest
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
Social
Social
- Dependence on others for support
- Difficulties dealing with others or intimacy problems
- Difficulty taking care of yourself in relationships
- Feelings of distrust
- Inability to be touched
- Isolation or loneliness
- Promiscuity or avoidance of sexual relations
- Rejection (others distancing themselves from the survivor)
- Sensitivity to prejudices
- Victimisation (difficulty trusting others, avoiding intimacy, difficulty asserting oneself)
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.
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NOTICE: COVID-19
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In order to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure, the Human Rights Office will carry-out its appointments and meetings by distance until further notice. Our mailboxes are checked several times during office hours. To speed up the processing of your request, we recommend submitting it by email at respect@uOttawa.ca. A Human Rights Office staff member will soon be in contact with you to set-up an appointment by phone, or via an adapted remote meeting format.
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If this is an emergency, please call Protection Services at 613-562-5411.
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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,
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The Human Rights Office
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Tools and resources
Please note that the feminine is used throughout this website, but it does not exclude any person who has been a victim of sexual violence.