Cheyenne

Physical Reactions

Due to the dangerous nature of sexual crimes, one would expect physical effects to be severe in nature, but that is not always the case. The physical effects of sexual crimes may include: traumatic injury, body memories, sexually transmitted infections/diseases, pregnancy, headaches, sleep/appetite disturbances, nausea, and other reactions associated with the attack. Sometimes victims may require medical attention for their physical injuries, which will be costly. Fortunately, the Georgia Crime Victim's Compensation Fund helps victims with the financial expenses. Victims can also receive help from the Women's Refuge Center which provides a safe haven for victims of these crimes



Appetite disturbances

- Many victims have difficulty eating after their trauma, while others may eat excessively in an effort to feel better. If you notice that you are experiencing changes to your eating patterns talk with your counselor or a primary physician about these changes. The longer these changes persist the more health risks your body is likely to incur.



Body Memories

- Many victims experience body memories. This is when you body relives the trauma in such a way that the victim feels like it may be happening again. This is a normal occurrence. It is a way of your brain processing the trauma through physical expression and often catches the victim off guard because they do not expect this to happen. Victims need to remind themselves that the incident is not reoccurring. If you are experiencing a "body memory" remind yourself of where you are, what's around you, verbally detail out your surroundings, find a distraction, remove your self from the location, or find someone you trust to talk to about the body memories.



Headaches

- Your body has undergone an extreme amount of stress. Your body is not equipped to handle this level of stress and physically tells you this through pain. Find a quiet place and try to relax. Try to get you mind off of any current life stressors. Seek medical advice or explore alternative healing therapies.



Nausea

- Again this is a normal reaction to an abnormal trauma to the mind and body. For me, Aqaufina water eases my nausea. For others relief of nausea may come from medication, eating certain foods, tic-tacs, sodas, gum, and other alternative remedies.



Pregnancy

- After a sexual crime, there is a chance of pregnancy. If you have been sexually assaulted, there are emergency contraceptives (i.e. Plan B) available to prevent pregnancy. If you are pregnant the choice you may make will be up to you. There are victims who decide to carry the pregnancy full term while other decide to terminate the pregnancy due to the emotional impact. Either way, whatever your decision, you need to be under medical care immediately.



Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections

- There is always a risk that a sexual assault victim could have contracted an STD or infection from the crime (This can occur even if protection was used). There are over 20 identified STD's and infections. According to statistics, over 13 million people contract a STD each year in the US alone. Most STD's cause no symptoms, however, the long term affects can be devastating. Many have even been linked to cancer. It is recommended that you follow up with you medical provider following a sexual assault.



Sleep disturbances

- Sleep disturbances can come in the form of inability to go to sleep, sleeping excessively, having night terrors/mares, waking up excessively, and/or feeling fatigued all the time. Sometimes these are a sign of depression. Medication and other remedies may help.



Trauma sustained from crime

- This can range from bruises, scratches, broken bones, internal damage, tearing, hair loss, etc. Do not minimize any injury and be sure to follow all doctor's recommendations. It is not uncommon for victims to neglect themselves after an assault, but proper attention to these injuries can help them heal with minimal scarring. For permanent damage there may be surgical options.




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