Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Sexual assault and abuse can be traumatic experiences. When people have been sexually assaulted or abused, they may have on-going psychological or emotional issues related to the trauma.

Frightening and shocking.

Sexual assault

Generally speaking, sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated or afraid.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is when children or young people are harmed, not protected or not taken care of. Child abuse can happen in many ways, for example: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual abuse, Neglect.

A small number of people can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Signs to look out for are:

Having nightmares
Having flashbacks (reliving the assault)
Thinking about the assault when you don’t want to
Feeling on edge
Feeling irritable
Having trouble sleeping
Not being able to concentrate
Avoiding reminders of the assault
Feeling emotionally numb and cut off from every day life.

Only a health professional can diagnose you with PTSD. It’s important to seek help if you are experiencing any of these signs ongoing.

Useful phone numbers

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline 13 11 14
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292

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For more information

For more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website.