California is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, including Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology. Unfortunately, some students eager to receive a higher education could become victims of sexual assault. After a sexual assault, this crime can affect survivors in several ways.
Fear of reporting a crime
Whether they are male, female, or non-binary, a sizeable number of sexual assault survivors won’t report these crimes. One study found that as few as 20% of female college students who survive sexual assaults report these crimes to law enforcement. People sometimes avoid reporting these crimes due to fear of retaliation from the perpetrator. Some students may also worry about retaliation from the school they attend.
Filing a lawsuit while attending school
Attending college can quickly take over a lot of your time. You’ll need to attend classes and study for exams, which can leave you without a lot of spare time to file a sexual assault lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit involves meeting with attorneys, attending hearings and other time-consuming events.
Mental side effects
Sexual assaults are understandably traumatic events. Sometimes, feelings of trauma can linger for victims long after crimes took place. It’s common for assault survivors to feel anxious and depressed. In extreme situations, a sexual assault survivor can experience post-traumatic stress disorder or suicidal thoughts. Sexual assault survivors may also have difficulty with future intimate relationships.
Sexual assault survivors should always report these crimes to local law enforcement. You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline for guidance and support. It’s also beneficial to seek immediate medical attention after surviving a sexual assault.
