Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault

The psychological impact of sexual assault is the term used interchangeably with the term rape. The decision to use the term rape or to use sexual assault is made by the state jurisdiction. Sexual assault is likely to be used to try to be neutral by gender (National Victim Center). Sexual assault is most easily explained as a forced or offensive sexual intercourse. Individuals who perform these acts against the victim may be strangers or acquaintances.

Sexual assault is a traumatic event that may have an extreme psychological impact on the victim. These effects are short-term and may appear as long-term effects depending on individuals and the occurrence of sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault can be male or female, and both sexes have exactly the same psychological impact. In addition to these psychological effects, some people may also develop rape trauma syndrome or post traumatic stress disorder. And it may be more easily classified as short - term and long - term response. Everyone is different, they may react differently to this event; there is no ordinary or common response (Kaminker, 1998, p. 23)

The impact of sexual assault on victims will be devastating and will affect mental and physical health, military career history, and success after quitting the military. Sexual assault is the main cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between female service members and veterans. Depression, substance abuse and eating disorders are also associated with military and civilian sexual assault. Various physical symptoms that can not be explained medically are also related to sexual desire. Sexual assault is the main reason some women's service staff leave the army. Due to military sexual trauma, many female veterans returned to civilian life and some became homeless.

Sexual assault within the army poses a major threat to the military's preparation, as sexual assault can have serious health consequences and possibly reduce performance. So far, attempts to prevent sexual assault by the military are sporadic and seem to be halfway. What is urgently needed to end sexual violence is the fundamental causes surrounding sexual assault and myths, military and cultural factors that may erroneously bring about sexual assault, It is a comprehensive and sustainable strategy that takes into consideration uneasiness concerning assault. It is a problem. It tends to be overlooked (eg epidemic of male sexual assault in the military)