Sexual harassment and assault increase risk of health problems, new study finds

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Just a week after the testimony of Mrs. Christine Blasey Ford in front of The Senate Judiciary Committee, Brett Kavanaugh, a Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her at high school and described in detail the lasting impact of this event on her life. study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, detailing the lasting effects of sexual assault and harassment on mental and physical health. "data-reactid =" 18 "> Just a week after Ms. Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh was sexually assaulted when they were both in high school, and spoke in detail of the lasting impact of this event on his life, a new study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, detailing the lasting effects of sexual assault and harassment on physical and mental health.

"We had no control over when this article was published," says Rebecca C. Thurston, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and lead researcher for the study, which was developed more than seven years ago. "The moment was propitious. I feel privileged to be able to participate in the national conversation on this topic. "

For this study, the researchers interviewed 304 non-smoking women aged 40 to 60 on their past experiences of sexual assault and sexual harassment at work, and tested various indicators of mental and physical health. Previous studies have examined the correlations between health problems and sexual trauma, but they relied on self-reported symptoms, while this study included measurable measures such as blood pressure, medical history, and psychological assessments. conducted as part of the study, providing the most concrete evidence away from the fact that sexual harassment and sexual assault have serious and lasting negative effects on health.

The study found that women with a history of sexual harassment in the workplace had significantly higher rates of sleep and blood pressure problems than women, and that women with a history of Sexual assault had a rate of clinical depression, anxiety and sleep problems significantly higher than others. those without. Sleep deprivation, which women of both categories have experienced, may also result in weakened immune system, mood changes, memory problems, increased risk of diabetes, and a host of other symptoms. secondary.

These results will not come as a surprise to survivors of sexual assault or harassment who have seen their health (and often their career) suffer. The survivors have long been trying to make society understand society as a whole and with renewed fervor in the current political climate, where the alleged attack of Judge Kavanaugh against Dr. Blasey is considered an affair. not important. because it happened so long ago.

Twenty-five percent of the women in the study reported being assaulted or sexually harassed, which researchers say is below the national averages of 36% and 40% to 75%, respectively. This means that if the results of this study are valid in the general population, it follows that 36% of women in this country are at increased risk for depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, and between 40 and 75% have a higher risk of high blood pressure and sleep problems. The study does not include male or non-binary survivors.

"Efforts to improve women's health should target sexual harassment and the prevention of aggression," the researchers conclude in the study. In other words, the epidemic of sexual harassment and sexual assault that finally emerged in #MeToo's time and in response to Justice Kavanaugh's appointment is not only a social and criminal problem, but also a health crisis.