Women who experience sexual assault face dramatically higher risks of developing lasting physical symptoms and functional disorders. A new Danish study reveals this troubling connection between trauma and bodily health. Researchers found these physical effects can persist for years after the assault occurs.
The study from Aarhus University shows sexual assault can manifest as chronic pain and fatigue throughout the body. Women who experienced rape or forced sexual touching had 69 percent higher risk of developing functional disorders within five years. The research analyzed data from 4,229 adult Danish participants.
Physical symptoms appear across multiple body systems, researchers discovered. These include gastrointestinal problems, chest pain, and dizziness. The symptoms cannot be explained by other medical conditions. Crucially, these physical effects occur independently of psychological distress.
"Physical symptoms after sexual assault can appear throughout the body," said public health researcher Sofie Abildgaard Jacobsen. "This happens even among assault victims who don't have psychological symptoms. That challenges previous assumptions about trauma consequences."
The findings highlight a critical gap in healthcare responses. Medical professionals often miss the connection between physical complaints and past sexual trauma. Many patients themselves don't link their symptoms to earlier assaults.
Researchers urge healthcare systems to improve support for assault survivors. Targeted follow-up care could help address these physical consequences. Better recognition of trauma-related symptoms would lead to more appropriate treatment.
Denmark's universal healthcare system provides a strong foundation for implementing such changes. The Nordic country already leads in many health indicators. Yet this study shows even advanced systems can overlook trauma's physical dimensions.
The research underscores how sexual violence creates long-term health burdens that extend beyond psychological impacts. These findings have implications for healthcare providers worldwide. They suggest trauma-informed care should include screening for physical symptoms.
For international readers, this study highlights important considerations about healthcare access. The physical consequences of assault don't respect national borders. All healthcare systems need better protocols for identifying and treating trauma-related physical symptoms.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. It adds to growing evidence about trauma's complex effects on human health. Medical professionals globally should note these findings when evaluating patients with unexplained physical symptoms.