Recovery after a sexual assault takes time, according to our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator in Oklahoma, OKC. The long-term repercussions of sexual assault should be understood, and the tools available to help the healing process by survivors and by friends and family advise our rape private investigator in Norman, OK and sex crimes private investigator.
Every individual experiences sexual assault and abuse in a different way. This is so because each victim or survivor and each instance of sexual assault or abuse is unique, says our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator in Oklahoma, OK. Some effects can last only a few days, others may endure for many years and others not.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone reacts differently to sexual assault and abuse; therefore, any reaction is OK, experienced by our sex crimes private investigator and rape private investigator. After all, there is no right or incorrect way to be or feel. There is also no set timeframe for “getting over” it. Years after the incident, several of those who survived are still suffering. To help understand the feelings and issues that rape and sexual assault victims and survivors go through, our rape private investigator in Bethany, OK and sex crimes private investigator in Oklahoma City explain the long-term trauma that rape and sexual assault causes:
Long-Term Trauma
It is a horrific and unforgettable experience for most who experienced rape, sexual violence and abuse. These incidents are incredibly stressful, frightful, or distressing occurrences. Their effects on someone’s mental, emotional, and physical health might be long-lasting, causing long-term trauma, explains our sex crimes private investigator and rape private investigator in Norman, OK.
Not all people perceive some situations to be upsetting. Furthermore, not everyone’s body and mind comparably react to trauma. Some individuals start to feel the impacts of trauma right away. Others, though, might not feel them till a long time afterward.
Many people discover that there are moments when trauma affects them more strongly. This may occur if they encounter another stressful or frightening situation after their rape or sexual assault incident or if something triggers memories of the traumatic occurrence. However, some people discover that there are times when they are less impacted. or that, over time, it alters. Following are some of the most common effects of long-term trauma caused by rape and sexual assault, shared by our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator from Oklahoma, OK:
Triggers
‘Triggers’ may occasionally cause the effects of trauma to manifest. These items, such as a particular sound or scent, trigger memories of the trauma for the victim or survivor. Someone may suffer a trauma reaction due to a trigger, such as a panic attack or flashback of their rape or sexual assault incident, explains our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator.
A trigger need not be a frightening or unpleasant circumstance. Numerous commonplace items are triggers. For instance, a certain location, a piece of music, or a particular day of the year. It’s not always simple to foresee what may incite a victim or survivor, and it might not even always appear to “make sense.” However, how it impacts individuals is uncontrollable; they have no control over what will or won’t set off a trauma reaction.
Flashbacks
When recollections of a prior trauma seem to be happening, it is called a flashback. That implies that it is possible to feel as though sexual assault is occurring all over again. It might be challenging to maintain a sense of reality during a flashback. Even the sensation that the offender is physically there could exist, shares our sex crimes private investigator and rape private investigator in Bethany, OK.
Initially, flashbacks can appear randomly. They can be caused by a commonplace sensory stimulus, such as a person’s odor or speech tone. You can take measures to lessen the pressure of a flashback for a rape and sexual assault victim and survivor because it’s a common reaction to this sort of trauma, explained our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator.
Depression
When emotions of sadness and hopelessness persist for extended periods and interfere with normal mental processes, depression, a mood disorder, results. Your conduct and relationships with others may be impacted. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, color, nationality, or religion, can experience depression because of rape and sexual assault, explains our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator.
Feelings of melancholy, dissatisfaction, and hopelessness are the most common signs and symptoms among survivors. If a rape and sexual assault victim or survivor experiences these emotions frequently, it can be a sign of depression. Depression should not be perceived as a sign of weakness or something a victim or survivor can easily escape. Because it affects their mental health, survivors can frequently benefit from assistance experienced by our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator in Oklahoma City.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder also develops as a result of long-term trauma due to rape and sexual assault. It is natural for rape victims and survivors to feel worried, anxious, dreadful, and uneasy, which are abnormal behaviors. These sensations can be quite intense with PTSD, making it challenging to function in daily life and making an individual feel as though they are always in danger, says our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator.
There are three primary PTSD symptoms, but every survivor responds differently to them:
- Re-witnessing: experiencing the incident again in your dreams, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance: deliberately or unconsciously altering behavior to avoid situations connected to the incident or decreasing interest in things you formerly enjoyed.
- Hyper-arousal: Constantly feeling “on edge,” having trouble falling asleep, being impulsive, or prone to irrational outbursts.
Conclusion
Rape and sexual assault victims and survivors mostly experience long-term trauma, including triggers, flashbacks, depression, and mental illnesses like PTSD. However, through careful attention and unwavering support, rape and sexual assault victims and survivors can overcome signs and symptoms of long-term trauma and feel better again, according to our rape private investigator and sex crimes private investigator. If you require legal assistance for someone you know going through such trauma, contact a rape private investigator today!
