Impacts of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence impacts can be noticed in many different ways both at the individual level and within broader communities. Just a few examples of the impacts of experiences of sexual violence are Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, lack of safety in communities, increased healthcare costs, and increased social services costs. 

This non-exhaustive list shows how important it is to recognize all the different levels of impact sexual violence has. We will only see thriving communities when we see individuals thrive and when we see stronger services for individuals who have experiences of sexual violence. If someone who has experienced any form of sexual violence is believed, is not made to feel shamed for their experiences or how they are coping with them, and receives trauma-informed care and support in a timely manner, we may be able to mitigate the development of these and many other further mental health disorders. 

When individuals are treated promptly and with trauma-informed care, it allows them to feel more stable and secure, which in turn means they will be better able to manage daily living. This will help reduce the strain on other community resources like our healthcare system, other forms of mental healthcare, and addictions support, supply, and treatment services, to name a few.