Sexual assault is sexual behavior that is forced on someone against their will. It can cause physical and emotional harm. Recovery takes time and is different for each person. After the assault, you may be sad, angry, upset, jumpy, worried, moody, or irritable, and you may not want to interact with family and friends. You may want to talk about the event a lot or not at all. You may notice changes in your sleeping and eating habits or have belly pain, headache, or other physical signs. 

With support from trusted adults and friends, you can heal from sexual assault.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• taking any medicines
• ways to help with any pain or discomfort caused by the assault
• talking to a mental health professional (such as a counselor or psychologist) trained to help people heal from sexual assault
• following up on any medical testing, if needed

Take care of yourself:

• Sexual assault is never the victim's fault. There is never an excuse or a situation that gives a person the right to force sexual behavior on someone else.
• Set up visits with a mental health professional trained to help people heal from sexual assault. They can help you get through the challenges ahead.
• Be clear with others about what makes you feel safe. Maybe you won't want to stay home alone or go to certain places, and that's OK. 
• As much as possible, keep your routine of school, sports, and activities.
• Take good care of yourself by getting enough sleep, being physically active, eating nutritious food, and avoiding using alcohol or drugs to cope. 
• Find ways to relax. This is different for everyone. You may want to hang out with friends, play a game with family, or try meditation or yoga.
• Be patient as you recover. You may feel discouraged or think you'll never feel OK again. Take your time and let others support you as you heal. 
• Here are some other ways to get help:
  • The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at rainn.org
  • Love Is Respect: online at loveisrespect.org (for help with abuse in a relationship)
  • The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386, text START to 678678 or online at thetrevorproject.org (for the LGBTQ community)
  • Local support programs in your area (Ask your health care provider for resources or look online at rainn.org/state-resources.)
• If you're working with the police or courts, you may need extra support through a lawyer or other resources available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline — 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at rainn.org.

You:

• have trouble getting out of bed or interacting with anyone
• have trouble in school
• feel very sad, upset, jumpy, or worried, or are reliving the sexual assault a few weeks to a month after the assault

If you're thinking about suicide (ending your life), tell a trusted adult or friend right away. There are people who care that can help you. You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for help.

What are the different forms of sexual assault? Sexual assault includes rape (forcing penis, fingers, or another object into the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person against their will), unwanted touching, forcing someone to watch or do sex acts, and anything that forces someone into a sexual behavior against their will. A person can be sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone they know.

What long-term emotional problems can happen after a sexual assault? It's common to have sadness, anxiety, stress, or fear after a sexual assault. For most people, these feelings get better over time. But some people continue to have strong feelings that interfere with their everyday life (for example, they might have trouble going to school or not want to be with family or friends). They may have:

• flashbacks: remembering the sexual assault and feeling like it's happening in the current moment
• depression: feelings of sadness and hopelessness that last a long time
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): very strong feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear

People who have these problems can heal with professional help. If you're worried that you aren't coping, are having flashbacks, feel depressed, or have signs of PTSD that aren't getting better, talk to your health care provider right away.