Sexual coercion is an act where one person forces another person to perform sexual acts against their will. It is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on the victim's mental health and wellbeing. In this article, I will explain how sexual coercion can negatively impact a victim's psychological recovery and adjustment in detail. Victims of sexual assault may experience physical injuries such as bruises, scrapes, and broken bones.
The emotional trauma is much more severe than these visible wounds. They may feel fear, shame, guilt, anger, confusion, helplessness, and depression. These feelings can persist for years after the incident, making it difficult for them to trust others and form meaningful relationships. Some victims develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and hypervigilance. This can make it challenging to function day-to-day activities like going to work or school. PTSD can also lead to substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The sexual coercion victim might withdraw from friends and family members, leading to isolation and loneliness. Long-term mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder can result from prolonged loneliness. Sexual coercion victims may avoid social situations where they may encounter their attacker or people who remind them of the attack. This can further deteriorate their quality of life and limit their ability to pursue opportunities for personal growth and development. Victims may blame themselves for what happened and question why they were not able to fight back. Self-blaming can lead to low self-esteem, negative body image, and a sense of worthlessness. A sexual coercion victim's inability to trust others and difficulty forming close relationships may impact their social support system and access to help. Without proper treatment, the long-term effects of sexual coercion can be devastating. Survivors need professional help and ongoing support to process the trauma and heal emotionally. They should seek counseling, therapy, and support groups where they can express their feelings openly without judgment or criticism.
How does sexual coercion affect long-term psychological recovery and adjustment?
According to studies conducted on survivors of sexual assault and abuse, victims may experience various psychological effects that impact their personal and social lives. These effects include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others.