Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can be a major problem after sexual assault, and that these problems may persist for a long time. The response inhibiting nature of the sexual problems prevent victims from having sexual contact again because sexual stimuli are perceived as anxiety provoking and evoke intrusive memories. To engage in consensual sexual activities, which are pleasurable to the woman, however, seems to help women to overcome aversive feelings with respect to sexuality. As Becker et al. (1984) pointed out, treatment for sexually dysfunctional women should be directed at the cognitive aspects of the negative perception of sexual stimuli. Furthermore it is important to prevent sexual problems by paying attention to the emotional reactions, such