Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Apr 9

Written by: Taylor Molstad, M.Ed., Registered Provisional Psychologist

April is an important month—it's Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

It's so important not to shy away from talking about sexual assault. The numbers tell us that many people have gone through it. So, we shouldn't hesitate to address the issue openly and compassionately. Research shows us that when survivors see ongoing efforts to understand and support them, they feel a sense of validation and empowerment. It's crucial for survivors to know that speaking up about their experiences is not just okay, it's an essential part of their healing journey. Moreover, when individuals participate in sexual assault research, they often find themselves seeking more support and feeling reassured. Having these conversations isn't just about helping those who have been through it; it's also about taking steps to prevent it from happening in the future.

Before we dive in, I want acknowledge that people have different preferences when talking about sexual assault. Some may prefer "survivor" over "victim," and that's okay. Throughout this blog, I'll use both terms, so feel free to modify the language that you prefer.

This blog takes a unique approach by sharing insights from my research on sexual assault, a topic that holds personal significance for me, rather than providing actionable tips. It's important to recognize the individuality of each person's experience and the importance of seeking tailored support from professionals. Throughout this blog, I'll talk about research on non-consensual sexual experiences, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) following sexual assault, and post-assault academic outcomes. Finally, I want to underscore the remarkable resilience of survivors and impart a sense of hope through this blog.

What is Sexual Assault?
Defining sexual assault is challenging due to the lack of a universally accepted definition. In my research, I defined non-consensual sexual experiences as “acts that violate an individual's sexual privacy, including when there is a lack of capacity to consent.” The lack of an agreed upon definition often results in the misidentification of victims' experiences, leading many to downplay or overlook them, delaying or neglecting care—an all too common and distressing reality. Studies show that women who do not acknowledge their assaults often struggle to disclose them, limiting their access to support services. Additionally, survivors may grapple with conflicting feelings, especially when the perpetrator is someone they know—a circumstance that occurs in over half of all sexual assaults.

University-aged women (18-24) face a disproportionate risk of sexual assault, three times more likely than men of the same age group, especially on college campuses. Sexual assault rates among college women double that of the general population. Despite underreporting, male university students are also at heightened risk compared to non-students. This underscores a significant spike in risk during this life stage. Moreover, marginalized groups like racialized individuals and LGBTQIA+ individuals face elevated risks both on and off campus. For example, Indigenous women are over three times more likely to experience assault than non-Indigenous counterparts. These disparities emphasize the urgent need for targeted support and interventions within these communities as well.

PTSD & Sexual Assault

It's no secret that experiencing sexual assault is an incredibly traumatic ordeal, often resulting in PTSD. What's particularly striking is the consistent findings from previous research, highlighting that sexual assault inflicts a heavier toll on mental well-being compared to other traumatic events. This suggests that there's a unique aspect to sexual violence that significantly heightens the likelihood of meeting PTSD criteria and experiencing more severe symptoms of PTSD than other forms of trauma. To add to this, survivors of interpersonal trauma, such as sexual assault, endure more severe symptoms of intrusive memories and increased emotional suppression compared to those who experience non-interpersonal trauma.

What does this have to do with academic outcomes?

My research showed that sexual assault correlates with academic challenges like delaying degree completion, dropping out, lower GPA, and difficulties in course attendance and completion. Recognizing these impacts is crucial because academic success, such as earning a bachelor's degree, brings benefits beyond financial gain. It positively influences health, occupation, and social engagement. Moreover, given the significant increase in sexual assault prevalence during post-secondary education, understanding its impact on post-secondary outcomes is vital.

Individuals with PTSD commonly experience difficulties in memory, attention, and focus, with more severe symptoms making it harder to learn. These challenges extend to both short-term and long-term memory, impacting academic performance. The biopsychosocial approach helps explain why PTSD is so impactful:

Biological: PTSD affects brain regions crucial for memory and attention, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, altering cognitive functions essential for learning. Additionally, disruptions in the body's stress response system further exacerbate these difficulties.
Psychological: Effort regulation issues in individuals with PTSD, stemming from efforts to disengage from traumatic memories or negative emotions, hinder academic success. Lower self-regulation can impact performance as well.
Social: PTSD-related difficulties in social interactions, including avoidance behaviours and negative self-beliefs, contribute to withdrawal from social situations, impacting attendance and academic performance, particularly in settings like college campuses where sexual assault is prevalent.

My Research

In my thesis, I explored the relationship between non-consensual sexual experiences and academic outcomes among current or recent undergraduate students. Specifically, I investigated how these experiences impact academic performance when individuals are dealing with symptoms of PTSD including the severity of PTSD symptoms. Additionally, I examined the role of social support in this relationship. The key findings are below:

Academic Impact: After sexual assault, many participants faced challenges in their academic performance. About 31% dropped more classes, 52% struggled with assignments, and 40% saw a drop in grades. Their confidence in their academic abilities also decreased after the assault.
Social Support: Most participants sought support from friends after experiencing sexual assault, but a significant number received no support at all. Similarly, when it came to support specifically for PTSD, few received support.
PTSD Symptoms: Experiencing more non-consensual sexual encounters was linked to higher levels of PTSD symptoms. The severity of PTSD symptoms after assault was connected to lower post-assault GPA, decreased academic confidence, and more difficulties in academic performance.

Maintaining Hope:

How can we navigate the gravity of this situation without relinquishing hope entirely? I wanted to conclude by highlighting some encouraging and optimistic pieces:

Healing after sexual assault is a journey that can start at any point. Seeking support in the initial months after the assault is important so that you get the care that you need as soon as possible, but remember that healing is possible at any stage. Research shows that while around three-quarters of survivors meet criteria for PTSD in the first month after assault, this number decreases to around four in ten after 12 months. This underscores the potential for recovery and resilience over time, affirming that healing is achievable regardless of when a survivor embarks on their journey.
Post-traumatic growth is possible. This is where individuals experience positive psychological growth following a traumatic event. Research indicates that victims of sexual violence can undergo significant positive changes in various aspects of life post-assault, such as gaining a greater appreciation for life, experiencing increased satisfaction in relationships, and developing a stronger sense of self. I even found in my research that some participants reported less struggles in school after their assault. This highlights the potential for resilience and personal growth even in the face of adversity.
Community support, research, and advocacy efforts are making a difference. Across the globe, there is a growing awareness of the prevalence and impact of sexual assault, leading to increased support services, advocacy campaigns, and legislative reforms aimed at addressing and preventing sexual violence. From survivor-led initiatives to institutional changes within educational and legal systems, there is a collective effort to create safer environments and provide comprehensive support for survivors. This growing momentum signifies a positive shift towards greater accountability, empathy, and societal change, offering hope for a future where sexual assault is not tolerated and survivors are empowered to heal and thrive.

To all those who have endured sexual violence, your courage and resilience are both celebrated and honoured. Your voices are heard, your experiences are valid, and you are believed. This research and blog are dedicated to you, with the sincere hope that it offers you a ray of hope in challenging times. May this remind you that you are not alone, and that your stories carry profound significance. Let us stand together in solidarity, committed to listening, understanding, and advocating against sexual violence. Together, we can work towards a future where healing and support are readily available to all survivors.

If you are interested to read more about my research, both my publication and my thesis are available free to the public here:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15248380211030247

https://opus.uleth.ca/items/3965c1d8-8f05-4785-a2a2-056837c57c8b

References:

Clements, C. M., & Ogle, R. L. (2009). Does acknowledgment as an assault victim impact postassault psychological symptoms and coping? Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(10), 1595-1614. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260509331486

Department of Justice. (2019). JustFacts: Sexual assault. Government of Canada Research and Statistics Division. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/jf-pf/2019/apr01.html

Du Mont, J., Kosa, D., Macdonald, S., Benoit, A., & Forte, T. (2017). A comparison of Indigenous and non-Indigenous survivors of sexual assault and their receipt of and satisfaction with specialized health care services. PLoS One, 12(11), e0188253- e0188253. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188253

Edwards, K. M., Sylaska, K. M., Barry, J. E., Moynihan, M. M., Banyard, V. L., Cohn, E. S., Walsh, W. A., & Ward, S. K. (2015). Physical dating violence, sexual violence, and unwanted pursuit victimization: A comparison of incidence rates among sexual-minority and heterosexual college students. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(4), 580-600. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514535260

Holland, K. J., & Cortina, L. M. (2017). “It happens to girls all the time”: Examining sexual assault survivors’ reasons for not using campus supports. American Journal of Community Psychology, 59(1-2), 50-64. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12126

Holland, K. J., Cipriano, A. E., Huit, T. Z., Volk, S. A., Meyer, C. L., Waitr, E., & Wiener, E. R. (2021). “Serious enough”? A mixed-method examination of the minimization of sexual assault as a service barrier for college sexual assault survivors. Psychology of Violence, 11(3), 276.

Kirkner, A., Relyea, M., & Ullman, S. E. (2019). Predicting the effects of sexual assault research participation: Reactions, perceived insight, and help-seeking. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(17), 3592-3613. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516670882

Molstad, T., Weinhardt, J. W., & Jones, R. (2021). Sexual assault as a contributor to academic outcomes in university: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211030247

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (2015). Statistics about sexual violence. Retrieved from http://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/publications_nsvrc_factsheet_mediapacket_statistics-about-sexual-violence_0.pdf

Rosoff, C. B. (2018). Ethics in college sexual assault research. Ethics & Behavior, 28(2), 91-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2017.1333001

Sinozich, S., & Langton, L. (2014). Rape and sexual assault victimization among college-age females, 1995–2013 [Report]. US Department of Justice, 1-19. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rsavcaf9513.pdf

Wood, M., & Stichman, A. (2018). Not a big deal? Examining help-seeking behaviors of sexually victimized women on the college campus. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 62(6), 1415-1429. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X1668322

Zinzow, H. M., & Thompson, M. (2011). Barriers to reporting sexual victimization: Prevalence and correlates among undergraduate women. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20(7), 711-725. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2011.613447