Being raped is a traumatizing experience. Some rape victims lack words to express how they feel. Some get into depression.
According to the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization that supports survivors of rape, the effects of trauma can be classified into two: Long-term effects and short-term effects. Here are some of them;
1. Pregnancy
The idea of carrying a stranger’s child is very depressing. It puts one in a very awkward situation. You do not know whether to keep the baby or abort it.
When you do not believe in abortion, you will be forced to carry the pregnancy to terms. The fear of getting pregnant has driven many rape victims into depression or into having suicidal thoughts.
2. Contracting S.T.Ds
Rape victims usually dread the thoughts of being infected with sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea, H.I.V/Aids, syphilis etc.
In fact, it is this fear that makes some victims of rape not to go for medical check-ups. They would rather stay without knowing their statuses than go to the hospital and confirm the worst.
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder
As a long term effect, rape victims may suffer post-traumatic stress disorders. According to the Joyful Heart Foundation, these may include anxiety and nightmares.
Stigma is also another effect.
That people will judge you, mock you and even distance themselves from you is probably the biggest fear that rape victims harbor.
You may imagine that your partner may leave you or your fiancée may break the engagement because you are 'not pure' anymore is something a rape victim dread.