More than half of women and nearly one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact, making Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) each April a vital time for education, prevention, and support. SAAM goes beyond awareness—it’s a movement to challenge harmful norms and promote safer communities. While physical injuries may fade, the emotional and psychological impacts—such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse—can last for years and are often misunderstood or overlooked. Open, informed conversations about these long-term effects are crucial all year round. Thankfully, survivors are not alone; a range of resources—from therapy and crisis hotlines to community programs and national advocacy efforts—exist to support healing and recovery. By raising awareness and prioritizing prevention, we can help break the stigma, empower survivors, and build a world where everyone feels safe and heard.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) began as a grassroots movement to break the silence around sexual violence and was officially recognized in the U.S. in 2001 by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Its mission is to educate communities, amplify survivors’ voices, and advocate for systemic change. SAAM emphasizes awareness, prevention, and action, challenging the stigma that often surrounds conversations about assault, harassment, and abuse. By promoting values like consent, respect, and safety in all spaces, it works to shift cultural attitudes. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human services departments, and prevention coalitions support this effort through education, resources, and advocacy to help survivors and promote accountability.

Promoting sexual violence prevention

A key focus of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is prevention—aiming to stop sexual violence before it occurs through education, accountability, and cultural change. While supporting survivors is essential, SAAM also highlights initiatives like consent education, bystander intervention, and anti-harassment policies in schools and workplaces. National campaigns such as Start by Believing, #MeToo, and Denim Day challenge victim-blaming and encourage open conversations about creating safer communities. Social media platforms play a vital role in these efforts, amplifying survivors’ voices, sharing resources, and mobilizing people to take action.

For those directly impacted by sexual assault, abuse, or harassment, there are numerous resources available to offer support. Crisis hotlines, therapy services, survivor advocacy groups, and legal assistance programs exist to help people navigate the healing process. Some of the key resources include:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) – provides education, research, and survivor resources.

• Local crisis centers and sexual assault response teams (SARTs)

Sexual assault doesn’t just leave physical scars—it can have a deep and lasting emotional impact. Survivors often carry the weight of their experiences long after the assault itself, sometimes struggling with overwhelming emotions, self-doubt, and a sense of isolation. Understanding these effects is crucial—not just for survivors but for their loved ones, educators, and communities working toward violence prevention and survivor support.

Understanding the psychological impact of sexual assault

Surviving sexual assault or abuse is deeply traumatic, often rewiring the brain’s response to stress and leaving survivors in a state of hyperawareness, fear, or emotional numbness. This trauma is closely linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD, as well as difficulties with concentration, trust, and emotional regulation. Sadly, many survivors internalize blame or minimize their experiences due to harmful societal messages, making it harder to seek help. Raising awareness and providing accessible resources is crucial to remind survivors they are not alone, not at fault, and fully deserving of support and healing.

Traumatic stress disorder and PTSD in survivors

For many survivors, sexual assault leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other stress-related disorders. PTSD is more than just a memory of the trauma—it’s a condition where the brain stays stuck in survival mode, even when there’s no immediate danger.

Common symptoms of PTSD in survivors include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares that make the trauma feel like it’s happening all over again.

• Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of the assault.

• Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy.

• Hypervigilance or being constantly on edge, always scanning for potential threats.

• Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones.

• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or intense emotional distress triggered by reminders of the assault.

PTSD can disrupt daily life, affecting relationships, work, school, and self-esteem. Unfortunately, many survivors hesitate to seek help due to shame, fear, or a lack of access to services. That’s why Sexual Assault Awareness Month and other advocacy efforts work to break the stigma—so survivors feel safe and supported when reaching out for help.

Long-term effects of sexual assault

The long-term effects of sexual assault go far beyond the initial trauma. Many survivors develop secondary mental and physical struggles as they try to cope with their experiences, sometimes without the right support.

Some of the most common long-term effects include:

• Eating disorders – Survivors may develop disordered eating habits as a way to regain control over their bodies.

• Substance abuse – Some turn to alcohol or drugs to numb pain or suppress intrusive memories.

• Chronic medical problems – Research shows that survivors are at greater risk for chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and other medical issues.

Child sexual abuse can have profound and lasting psychological effects, increasing the risk of depression, PTSD, self-harm, and difficulty forming stable relationships later in life. Because children’s brains are still developing, early trauma can deeply impact their self-perception, emotional regulation, and ability to trust others. Healing is a lifelong journey, but with compassion, support, and access to resources, survivors can reclaim their sense of safety and self-worth. Raising awareness and advocating for prevention and accessible services is essential—not just during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but year-round.

Healing from sexual assault isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about reclaiming a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. The mental and emotional toll of sexual violence can feel overwhelming, but therapy offers survivors the tools, support, and guidance they need to process their trauma and regain control over their lives.

Why therapy is crucial for healing

Sexual assault can shake a person’s entire foundation, impacting their mental wellness, relationships, and daily life. Many survivors struggle with PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or shame. Left untreated, these effects can linger for years, making it hard to feel safe, form meaningful connections, or even trust their own emotions. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” someone—it’s about helping survivors find strength, healing, and hope in a way that feels right for them.

A compassionate, trained therapist can help survivors:

• Process the trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

• Develop coping strategies to manage triggers, flashbacks, and emotional distress.

• Challenge negative self-beliefs and work toward self-compassion.

• Rebuild trust in themselves and others.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Different survivors may find different therapy options helpful, depending on their experiences and needs. Here are a few commonly used therapies for survivors of sexual assault:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective approaches for survivors dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It helps survivors:

• Recognize and change harmful thought patterns.

• Reduce feelings of guilt, self-blame, or shame.

• Develop practical coping skills to manage triggers.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

This type of therapy is specifically tailored to survivors of trauma. It includes:

• Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) – a specialized form of CBT for those who have experienced child sexual abuse or early trauma.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This technique helps survivors process traumatic memories in a way that makes them feel less overwhelmed.

Group Therapy and Support Groups

Many survivors find comfort in connecting with others who have had similar experiences. Group therapy and support groups offer community, validation, and encouragement.

Pacific Health Group offers a range of therapy options to support survivors of sexual violence, including individualized treatment, trauma-informed care, and both virtual and in-person sessions for greater accessibility. Healing takes time, but no one has to face it alone—therapy can be a powerful step toward feeling safe, heard, and whole again. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com to connect with help.