PTSD from rape and other forms of sexual assault occurs with high frequency. The term "sexual assault" refers to a range of behaviors that involve unwanted sexual contact, such as sexual molestation or rape. Unfortunately, sexual assault is quite common in our society.
Rates in the General Population
Large surveys of the general population have found that anywhere between 13% to 34% of women will experience a sexual assault at some point in their life. In regard to the experience of rape in particular, it has been found that 14.5% to 31% of people have experienced at least one attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
Rates in More Specific Populations
Rates of sexual assault are generally higher when you look at certain groups of people. For example, among patients at psychiatric hospitals, rates of sexual assault among women patients average around 38%.
High rates of sexual assault are also found among college students. For example, one study examined rates of sexual assault in 3,187 women enrolled in colleges and universities across the United States. They found that 15.4% had experienced a completed rape and 12.1% had experienced an attempted rape since the age of 14. Around 8% had experienced a rape in the six months before the interview.
Similar rates were found in another study. In particular, 13.8% of college students reported a completed rape and 12.5% reported an attempted rape since the age of 14. In the nine weeks following the interview, they found that 3.7% of the college women experienced a completed rape.
Consequences of Sexual Assault
The experience of sexual assault is connected with a number of negative consequences. People who have experienced a sexual assault are more likely to develop depression, an anxiety disorder, suicidal thoughts, and alcohol and drug problems. High rates of PTSD are also found among people who have experienced rape. Studies have found that 31% to 57% of women who had experienced a rape also have PTSD at some point after the rape.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, it is important to take action right away. The United States Department of Health and Human Services provides information on sexual assault, as well as information on what to do if you have been sexually assaulted. It is not your fault. There is help available.
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