Harassment and sexual assault affect women's physical and psychological health later in life

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are psychologically traumatic, but a new study has also linked these attacks to long-term physical health consequences.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that female victims of harassment or assault were about twice as likely to have high blood pressure and insomnia.

"With regard to sexual harassment or sexual assault, our study shows that lived experiences can have a serious impact on women's health, both mental and physical," Rebecca Thurston, professor of psychiatry at Pitt School of Medicine and lead author of the study said in a press release. "It's a problem that needs to be addressed urgently, not only in terms of treatment, but in terms of prevention."

The new research was published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine recruited 304 non-smoking women in the local community aged 40 to 60 and recorded their blood pressure, weight and height. Women answered short questionnaires on sexual harassment, assault, depressive / anxious symptoms, and sleep disorders. One in five women reported a history of sexual assault or harassment at work. The researchers found that women who suffered the trauma were more likely to have high blood pressure, poor sleep, significant depressive symptoms, and anxiety. The researchers concluded that efforts to improve women's health should also focus on the prevention of sexual harassment and assault, and that this is a link that physicians should ask.

Below are answers to common questions about sexual harassment and sexual assault.

What is sexual harassment?

Unwanted verbal or physical behavior, unwanted, of a sexual nature, especially from a person in authority to a subordinate. The term was coined and popularized by Lin Farley of Cornell University in 1975.

What is a sexual assault?

Illegal sexual contact that generally involves the use of force by a person or is inflicted on a person who is unable to give consent.

How many women could this research have an impact on?

Sexual harassment and assaults are widespread in our society and cause considerable harm. In the United States, more than one-third of adult women report being victims of sexual assault and between 40 and 75% have been victims of workplace harassment.

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What are some of the impacts on mental health?

Blame and isolation are often the norm for victims of sexual trauma, according to Dr. Tiffanie Davis, a registered psychotherapist.

"Anger is also a well-known response to trauma, but it's a secondary emotion of pain and disappointment," Davis told ABC News. "It is not uncommon for women who have suffered trauma to experience flashbacks and traumatic stress disorder attacks, they may also develop substance abuse problems or have attempted suicide or have a complete depressive disorder."

Personal care, such as diet, exercise and sleep, can also become a challenge for a person facing intense psychological difficulties and can be one of the first signs of depression.

What are some of the physical impacts?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, sexual trauma includes chronic pain (pelvis, back), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, and high blood pressure. to heartburn. These ailments can be caused by psychological problems, but they are not "imaginary". Psychological pain can lead to physical pain.

What can be done in case of sexual assault?

– Find a safe place, away from the assailant.

– Call a close friend or family member.

– Go to emergency to be examined and receive medication to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

– Do not try to "clean" before seeing a doctor or nurse, as you may get rid of it.

– Find a mental health counselor.

What are the long-term consequences of sexual trauma?

"Future relationships can be damaged and therefore all events need to be reviewed and analyzed, no matter when they happen," said Dr. Davis. "Major and post-traumatic depressive disorders are known effects on mental health and the long-term consequences of abuse."

There is also a phenomenon called "secondary trauma", when the victim reports the event to a person in authority, and that person does not take any appropriate action to remedy the situation.

Can you talk to your trauma doctor?

Yes, and it's very important for you to talk about your physical and emotional history with your doctor. They are trained to keep private information. If you do not feel comfortable speaking in front of the office staff, ask for one-on-one interaction or consider finding a vendor with whom you are comfortable speaking.

"We know that sexual harassment and sexual assault are prevalent in our society and can cause considerable harm," said the lead author of the study. "If you are a health care provider, know that these experiences can have consequences for your patient's health. If you are a victim of assault or harassment, do not take it. Get help. If you can, change the situation or remove it. "

Psychologytoday.com publishes a list of mental health professionals and their specialization.

Dr. Tambetta Ojong is a resident in family medicine at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center and is part of the ABC News Medical Unit.