Resources for Sexual Assault

For individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, resources for sexual assault can serve as crucial lifelines, reminding them they are not alone. Sexual assault refers to unwanted, non-consensual sexual acts imposed upon a person, including harassment, exploitation, and violence. Sadly, more than 460,000 people in the United States experience sexual abuse each year, with women and girls—especially those between the ages of 12 and 34—being the most vulnerable. We have gathered a list of resources that advocate for protection against sexual assault and offer support to those in need. Let’s explore the steps to seeking help and healing after sexual trauma.

Sexual Assault and Mental Health

Individuals who experience sexual trauma have an increased likelihood of developing mental illness symptoms and lifelong mental disorders. Traumatic sexual experiences have both a mental and emotional impact that can cause debilitating mental health symptoms both immediately and long into the future.

Sexual assault has immediate and lasting impacts on one’s mental health. Short-term symptoms can include:

Confusion
Shock
Fear
Flashbacks
Self-harm
Heightened stress
Panic attacks
Dissociation
Withdrawal

Short-term symptoms can last months or years and can disappear and reappear later on. Even after the initial effects of the trauma wear off, many individuals face lasting long-term psychological issues, including mental disorders:

Depression
Anxiety
Sleep disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders
Behavioral disorders
Substance use disorders (SUD)

Research shows a strong connection between co-occurring PTSD and SUD in survivors of sexual trauma. Let’s unpack the link between substances and sexual abuse.

Sexual Assault and Substance Abuse

Survivors of sexual assault and abuse often feel a strong urge to turn to substances like drugs and alcohol, whether or not they have a history of substance use. This is a common way of self-medicating the overwhelming emotions triggered by trauma. While drugs and alcohol may offer temporary escape, they also carry the risk of physical harm or overdose. Additionally, substance use can perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence, as individuals who abuse substances are more likely to experience further assault. Approximately 50 percent of sexual abuse victims were drinking at the time of the assault, and many survivors may turn to substances afterward. The dangerous connection between drugs, alcohol, and sexual violence can persist in a harmful loop without professional intervention.

Resources for Sexual Assault Victims

No matter your background or situation, there are resources available to you. This list offers places to start looking for information, crisis support, and community amidst your struggles.

Many of the resources below offer culturally-specific support so that women of all ethnicities can find a safe community in which to heal.

RAINN – Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network – The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) – An organization supporting advocates against sexual violence and oppression
National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) – An organization dedicated to supporting victims and their families through crisis
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence – Gender Based Violence Resource Library – A resource providing thousands of materials relating to sexual abuse
Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence – A resource for Asian and Pacific Islanders who need support for sexual violence
Ujima – The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community – A resource for Black women and girls offering education and support for domestic and sexual violence
StrongHearts Native Helpline – A helpline for victims of sexual abuse that offers culturally-appropriate support to Native Americans and Alaska Natives

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Recovering from Sexual Assault

Recovering from the trauma of sexual assault can feel overwhelming and, at times, impossible. Many survivors experience feelings of shame or guilt on top of the range of emotions they’re already grappling with. Although the topic of sexual abuse has often been treated as taboo, it’s essential to break free from that mindset. Survivors of sexual abuse deserve to be supported and reassured that there is no shame in their trauma. Rather than feeling isolated, they should know that their stories matter. It takes immense courage to speak out about any form of trauma, whether publicly or within a safe group of peers.

Understanding and processing traumatic experiences is a critical part of healing. In our network of treatment centers, individuals have a safe space to share their stories. Traditional therapy, including both group and individual sessions, is a proven method for trauma recovery and healing. In addition, holistic activities that nurture the body, mind, and spirit can help release built-up stress and grief. Most importantly, trauma-focused treatment leads to healing from the effects of sexual violence. We offer dedicated programs for recovery at our centers.