by Tehan Dukaye, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
For student survivors of sexual violence, one of the many traumatic consequences they experience is the impact of the harm on their mental health. College students whose mental health has been harmed due to sexual violence may endure long-lasting negative outcomes. In understanding the consequences of sexual abuse on mental health of college students, providers, counselors, and peers can learn how to help survivors on the path of healing and support.
According to the AAU Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, more than 1 in 10 college students across the United States reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force or inability to consent” (Cantor, et al., 2020). In particular, 7.3 percent experienced penetration by just physical force and 5.4 percent by inability to consent”. (Cantor, et al., 2020). In Maryland, 45 of the state’s four-year colleges, universities, and community colleges reported 2,912 incidents of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct within a two-year period (MHEC, 2024). These types of sexual assault include rape, attempted rape, nonconsensual touch, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual violence, and stalking (MHEC, 2024). For students who endured sexual violence, they must also live through the aftermath.
The harm of sexual violence does not stop the moment the act of abuse or assault is complete. Survivors carry trauma for months, years, or even their entire lifetime. Survivors can range from those who experienced sexual assault one time to people who experience repeated sexual abuse from dating or intimate partners across their life. One of the greatest consequences of sexual violence is the harm done to a survivor’s mental health. Some of the most commonly reported responses for survivors soon after they experienced sexual violence are fear, shock, sadness, guilt, anxiety, despair, and anger (Macchiarola, 2024; Mason, et al., 2020). Survivors may experience flashbacks, feelings of loss of control, difficulty concentrating, or develop a negative self-image (Macchiarola, 2024; Mason, et al., 2020). Among student survivors, PTSD, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, are also common (Carey, et.al, 2019).
More specifically, the trauma from sexual violence can impact the brain. The part of the brain that is responsible for making decisions and concentration can change when responding to traumatic events (Macchiarola, 2024). This can result in hyper-awareness of one’s surroundings, overwhelming fear, and obsessive thoughts or thinking. Sexual violence can also alter how the brain works when it comes to memory and emotional regulation which can lead to difficulty learning new information and higher likelihood of experiencing flashbacks of the abuse or assault (Macchiarola, 2024). These changes in mental health and functioning of the brain can result in declining or worsening life quality outcomes. Alcohol and other substance abuse, withdrawing from family and friends, declining academic performance, increased risk of dropping out of school, poor emotional regulation, difficulty sleeping, and food disorders have been reported by student survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and dating violence (Dilip, Bates, 2021; Molstad, et al., 2021).
Student survivors in need of mental health support may have options both on and off campus. Many campus health centers have counselors and therapists available. For students who may feel uncomfortable seeking support on campus, seeking support at a local rape crisis center is another option. In Maryland, rape crisis and recovery centers offer confidential services such as:
Free, low-cost, and affordable counseling and clinical services are available.
Outside of one-on-one counseling, student survivors can address their trauma in other ways. Support groups can serve as an essential step in a survivor’s healing process by offering a safe environment for group members to *-process their trauma and emotions while forming connections with fellow survivors. (Karakurt, et.al, 2024). Survivors can practice self-care, start new hobbies, get involved with community building activities, and even incorporate daily grounding techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling as part of their healing process (PPI, n.d.; The Women's and Children's Health Network; n.d.).
If you or someone you know would like to reach out to an advocate or would like to get more information, help is available. For information on counseling and other local resources for sexual assault survivors contact your local Rape Crisis and Recover Center or call 211. For legal services and technical assistance please contact MCASA’s Sexual Assault Legal Institute at 301-565-2277. If you are in need of additional resources, please contact MCASA at [email protected] for more information.
References
Cantor, D., et al., (2020). Report on the AAU campus climate survey on sexual assault and misconduct. Westat. Retrieved here.
Carey, K. B., Norris, A. L., Durney, S. E., Shepardson, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2018). Mental health consequences of sexual assault among first-year college women. Journal of American College Health : J of ACH, 66(6), 480–486. Retrieved here.
Dilip, D., & Bates, L. (2021); Sexual violence and mental health among college students in the era of #MeToo. Women and Gender. 8. 8-13. Retrieved here.
Karakurt, G., Lovell, R., McGuire, M., Çetinsaya, E. E., & Mouncey, K. (2025). Sexual assault survivors' individual and group therapy experiences at rape crisis center. Women & Therapy, 48(2), 135–160. Retrieved here.
Macchiarola, A. (2024) How sexual violence affects mental health in college students. St. John’s University. Retrieved here.
Mason, R., Du Mont, J., Lanthier, S., Macdonald, S., & Hyman, I. (2020). Recognizing and Responding to the Commonly Misunderstood Reactions to Sexual Assault: Evaluation of an Online Curriculum. Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.), 1(1), 318–325. Retrieved here.
Maryland High Education Commission (MHEC). (2024). Report on campus climate and sexual violence at Maryland colleges and universities. Retrieved here.
Molstad, T. D., Weinhardt, J. M., & Jones, R. (2023). Sexual Assault as a contributor to academic outcomes in university: a systematic review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 24(1), 218–230. Retrieved here.
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), n.d.; Healing and recovery: empowering sexual assault survivors with therapeutic approaches and coping strategies. Retrieved here.
The Women's and Children's Health Network; (n.d) Impacts and coping after sexual violence. Retrieved here.
