●1 in 3 women are survivors of sexual violence
● It is estimated that 2 out of 3 sexual assaults go unreported
●Women who have experienced sexual assault have a greater chance of poor sleep - about four times the rate of women who had not been sexually assaulted.
● 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide
●Women who have experienced sexual abuse are far more likely to have decreased levels of desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasms.
●Chronic Sexual Pain is linked to sexual abuse
●Approximately 73% of individuals exposed to a traumatic incident experience dissociative states.
● Women who are victims of sexual assault are 10 times more likely to use other major drugs than the general public
● 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems
● 37% experience issues with relationships (friends/family), such as arguments, trust, and isolation
● Research shows that 70% of sexual assault survivors experience moderate to severe distress
● Many women who are sexually assaulted experience high rates of depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, suicidal behaviours, self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse issues
● However, according to Psychology Today, the good news is that research shows that 90% of individuals naturally recover from a traumatic event, meaning that their PTSD symptoms dissipate over time.
● One theory is that those individuals who recover do not “avoid” the trauma. They do not avoid thinking about it, talking about it and expressing emotions related to it
● Avoidance is known to be the most significant factor that prolongs & intensifies trauma-reaction or PTSD symptoms
(references sourced from Psychology Today & Stats Canada)
