Trauma And Effects On Future Relationships

Trauma and Effects on Future Relationships Traumatic experiences like sexual assault can have detrimental effects on future relationships for victims. Enduring traumatic experiences can make it much more difficult to comprehend or accept genuine affection. Because of sexual abuse stigmas, lack of treatment, and self-doubt, it can be very challenging for a victim to comprehend what genuine affection is, and can be even more difficult for a victim to accept this affection. “Every 98 seconds an American citizen is sexually assaulted.” (RAINN) One out of every six American women has been sexually assaulted or had a sexual assault attempt made against her in her lifetime. 90% of adult rape victims are female. Girls between the ages of 16-19 are
Some victims suffer temporary effects while others can carry disorders and trauma for the rest of their lives. Short term effects can include but are not limited to: PTSD, a condition of constant mental and emotional stress as a result of a injury or psychological shock, along with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks of the event, distrust of others, and thoughts of guilt, shame, anger, powerlessness, isolation and doubt. These effects can last from two weeks to as long as nine months. Some side effects spiral into long-term effects that become much more difficult to
Emotions can be perceived in the wrong way and their partner’s romantic advances can trigger a flashback to the sexual assault. This can make it extremely difficult to maintain a relationship. The victim must be with a person that will be patient with these struggles. The victim can be paranoid and may not be able to handle a relationship without full support and patience from their significant other. “A lot of people have difficulties in relationships, but a person who has survived rape will have extra issues. It takes a patient and special person to be their lover or even just their friend. Sometimes the additional trials and issues involved in relating to a sexual assault survivor are very, very sad.” (Relationships After Sexual