Sexual assaults are beyond the ability to cope and have a great emotional impact on the victims. They are a direct attack on the feeling of security. Historically, women have been the main victims of this type of violence.

As published a few weeks ago in The conversation, these experiences can change the way they feel, behave and relate to others in the future.

Several studies on the subject have focused on the consequences suffered by minors assaulted by adults, while cases among peers are less visible. And even more so if they occur in the context of a couple’s relationship.

However, it is estimated that one-third of adolescent girls worldwide are initiated into sex with a forced relationship. Due to this increasingly early initiation, the prevalence of assaults among youth and adolescents could increase alarmingly.

The main psychological consequences of this type of assault are depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, self-harm, dissociation, phobias and hypersexuality.

These disorders may occur immediately after an assault or months or years later. Occasionally, an event, a specific situation or a scent reminiscent of the experience can trigger the symptoms, which seriously interferes with the victim’s life.

As noted above, hypersexuality or the increased pursuit of sexual relations, both in frequency and intensity, is often accompanied by a sense of guilt or misunderstanding.

There are several reasons for this behaviour. Some authors have related this type of traumatic experiences with disorders in the prefrontal cortex, the brain area linked to decision making, impulse control and mood regulation.

Apart from neurobiological explanations, it could be an attempt to eliminate the trauma or to redo it in a different way. In this way, the victim would try to seek normalcy in sexual life and prove that his or her ability to have sex as a means to regain control is still intact.

Other studies consider compulsive sex as a non-functional way of avoiding problems and relieving pain, since trauma would have reduced tolerance to suffering. This could favour the dissociation of sex from affection, thus using sex as a mere instrument.

In addition, the victim may begin to believe that he or she does not deserve to receive any kind of affection. Therefore, these experiences are linked to risky sexual behaviours and the acceptance of violent partners.

Thus, compulsive sexual behaviour after sexual assault is very common, although it is not as visible as sexual refusal. It would also fulfil a certain purpose for the victim. But experts recommend seeking psychological help in order to address the problem as soon as it manifests itself.

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