Sexual Assault and Its Impact
By Clinical Mental Health Team
Sexual assault is a widespread issue. According to a 2018 Pew Research study, 44% of Americans report experiencing unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment. Among women, this number rises to 59%, while 27% of men report similar experiences.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, reports that 1 in 6 American women has experienced an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. About 3% of American men—roughly 1 in 33—have experienced the same.
Statistics can be numbing, but putting them in perspective helps highlight the seriousness of the issue. Imagine a crowded public setting—church, a football game, or a restaurant. On average, every sixth woman present may experience severe sexual assault in her lifetime. That could be a sister, aunt, or friend.
South Dakota has seen a concerning trend: while national rape rates have declined since 1992, the state’s rape rate has steadily increased since the 1960s and has remained higher than the national average. Sexual violence is a pervasive problem that impacts communities across the country.
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Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault
Many survivors experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Data suggest that 30% or more of rape survivors meet criteria for PTSD long after the incident. Even those who do not meet full criteria often experience ongoing symptoms along the PTSD spectrum.
Sexual assault also contributes to depression and anxiety, affecting roughly 40% of survivors. Common struggles include intrusive memories or dreams, hypervigilance, difficulties with trust, irritability, and general emotional exhaustion.
Seeking Help and Recovery
Recovery is possible. Professional support—including psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication—can help survivors process trauma, regain emotional stability, and rebuild healthier relationships. Healing is possible at any stage, even years after the assault.