Impacts of Sexual Assault on young people

After sexual assault…

Following sexual assault you may feel a whole range of emotions and struggle to make sense of what’s happening for you.

A lot of young people…

Want to block out the sexual assault and try to forget it ever happened

Feel scared to talk to others about it

Worry about being believed

Cry more often

Feel as though they can’t trust others

Worry about what others might think and say

Feel like they are to blame

Replay their experience thinking ‘Why didn’t I scream?’ or ‘If only I said no!’

Feel confused

Feed ‘bad’ and experience mood swings

Feel angry more often

Have difficulty sleeping, eating, and concentrating at school.

 

Sexual assault is never ok.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it’s not your fault. 

You don’t have to cope with this alone.
Although things may seem difficult at the moment, you will get through this.
It is possible to get on with your life after sexual assault.