While the effects of sexual violence always include emotional, mental and psychological harm, some forms of sexual violence, such as rape and sexual assault, also inflict physical injuries on victims. You may find that after sexual violence your physical health has been impacted by your assailent. This could mean that you have physical injuries from your assault ranging anywhere from minor cuts and bruises, to more complex injuries such as fractures or torn ligaments. Injuries to reproductive and sexual parts of the body may be both painful and emotionally traumatic. We know that this is a heavy burden to have to carry and understand that it can be traumatizing to have physical reminders of the violence that took place. Even though it might feel hard to do so, you may need to seek medical help after an assault. Therefore it is extremely important to know when you need professional help and how to get it. On this page, we have compiled some advice and resources to help you decide what steps you may need to take to ensure that your injuries are attended to.  

Sexual violence often goes hand-in-hand with domestic violence, which often escalates quickly and can lead to serious short-term and long-term injuries. If you are a victim of domestic violence, this page will also be helpful in guiding you through getting the help that you need.