This page has been printed from the Yarrow Place website http://www.yarrowplace.sa.gov.au

The impacts of rape and sexual assault can be physical, social, psychological, spiritual and emotional. They are very significant and may include

• feeling unsafe
• self blame
• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• depression
• suicidal thoughts
• mood swings
• feeling dirty
• irritability
• lack of confidence
• sexually transmitted infections
• pregnancy
• nightmares
• eating difficulties
• post traumatic stress disorder
• feeling judged

It should be noted that not all people experience exactly the same effects.

What helps people to recover?

There is no 'one right way' to recover from a troubling experience. Some people see a doctor, a counsellor, or a specialist service (or all of these). Others get support from family or friends. Others work through the impacts for themselves without assistance.

References and Further Reading
The Law Handbook - Fourth Edition. Legal Services Commission of South Australia.