The long term health impacts of rape

Rape may now cause more lost life than smoking (the government’s current largest health priority).

Around 80% of survivors experience symptoms that meet the criteria for PTSD in the first week after sexual assault. Around 50% still meet criteria six months later.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, accidents, or abuse. Its symptoms include vivid flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, sleep problems, and emotional numbness. PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life by affecting mood, concentration, and the ability to feel safe or connected to others. If untreated, it can lead to chronic distress, difficulties in personal relationships, work problems, and other mental health issues like depression or substance misuse. The impacts of PTSD are profound, often requiring professional support to help manage symptoms and restore normal functioning.

In England and Wales, people aged 16 to 34 are more likely to experience sexual assault than older age groups, with the highest prevalence among 20- to 24-year-olds. For some people, this means experiencing trauma while they are navigating education, starting work, forming relationships, developing independence and building their sense of who they are. The impact can therefore reach far beyond the immediate aftermath.

Around 1 in 10 women who had experienced rape or sexual assault reported that they had attempted suicide as a result. There is also evidence that PTSD is associated with increased risk of premature death.

Overall, the impact on loss of quality of life, loss of life, lost contribution to society, and lost happiness is vast. As with smoking, the cost to the NHS is also vast.

The Government spends c. £280m on smoking prevention; and it seems likely that Rape prevention will need to invest similar magnitudes of resources over extended timescales if we are to achieve the reduction required