💡Did You Know: According to a study published in Clinical Psychology Review, about 70% of sexual assault survivors experience significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or some form of anxiety disorder.💡
Sexual assault is a traumatic event that can lead to profound psychological and emotional turmoil for survivors. These effects are pervasive and long-lasting, often altering a survivor’s life dramatically. This article examines the impact of sexual assault and provides resources to facilitate healing and recovery.
Sexual assault survivors often grapple with severe mental health issues. The National Center for PTSD reports that 94% of women experience PTSD symptoms in the two weeks following an assault. The WHO found that women who have been sexually assaulted are 3x more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to develop PTSD, and 13x more likely to attempt suicide.
Recent high-profile cases of sexual misconduct in the medical field, such as those involving ob-gyn Dr. Robert Hadden, Utah’s ob-gyn David Broadbent, and NY Presbyterian’s urologist Dr. Darius Paduch, underline the deep breach of trust that survivors endure. This betrayal by professionals tasked with providing care can lead to additional feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, often resulting in difficulties with intimacy and trust.
Survivors often struggle with self-esteem issues, feelings of shame, guilt, and a sense of isolation. Many also experience difficulties with intimacy and trust in personal relationships.
While the path to recovery may be difficult, it’s important to remember that no one should walk it alone. Various resources offer support, counseling, and other assistance for survivors:
As the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S., RAINN provides a 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Chat for immediate, confidential support.
NSVRC offers a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive directory of coalitions and organizations offering localized support across the United States.
An online support group and forum for survivors of sexual assault, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and healing strategies.
Therapy and counseling can also be invaluable tools in the recovery process. Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly beneficial, helping survivors reshape harmful thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
We at DiPietro Law Firm understand the profound psychological and emotional distress experienced by victims of medical malpractices and are committed to holding the perpetrators and their employing institutions accountable. In response to this, we have become the first law firm in the nation to offer free counseling sessions conducted by a licensed professional while we have your back to fight for your justice.
At Anthony T. DiPietro’s Law Firm, we’ve been actively dealing with sexual assault cases in the healthcare sector. For over +20 years, DiPietro has focused his work on making big companies, like Columbia University, take responsibility for sexual assaults and abuse happening to their patients. We strive to create a safer space for victims to tell their stories.
Support from family and friends can be a powerful source of comfort and strength. It’s essential for loved ones to offer a listening ear, show empathy, and refrain from judgment or victim-blaming. They should also encourage survivors to seek professional help when they’re ready.
And while it is important to encourage your loved one to seek help, it is also important for us as a society to create a safe space for victims to speak up their minds and heart out, which is why all calls at DiPietro Law Firm are 100% confidential, and our office provides FREE Consultation.
The trauma of sexual assault can leave deep emotional scars, but it’s important to remember that healing is possible, and help is available. By reaching out to the resources listed above and finding a supportive community, survivors can start their journey toward recovery.
As we share this information, let us all commit to fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and support for survivors of sexual assault. Remember, recovery is a process, and there is no timetable for healing. Be patient with yourself or with the survivor in your life.
We hope this blog provides the first steps towards seeking the help needed. You are not alone; We are here to help, and it’s okay to reach for it.
Here, at The DiPietro Law Firm, we’re committed to helping victims of sexual abuse and assault find the justice they deserve.
All information discussed during our consultations always remains completely 100% confidential.
Would you like our help?
Founder Anthony T. DiPietro, Esq. is a compassionate and skilled trial attorney who has completely dedicated the past 23 years of his career to litigating medical malpractice and sexual abuse cases against major corporate institutions including hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and other wrongdoers.
Mr. DiPietro has also obtained some of New York State’s highest verdicts and settlements, and has been selected to New York State Super Lawyers® each year, for the past 10 years in a row.
In 2022, Mr. DiPietro was selected as one of America’s Top 100 High-Stakes Litigators for the landmark cases he’s won on behalf of survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Here, at The DiPietro Law Firm, we’re committed to helping victims of sexual abuse and assault find the justice they deserve.
All information discussed during our consultations always remains completely 100% confidential.
Would you like our help?
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Years of Abuse: 1987 – 2016
Brief:
Robert Hadden, a disgraced Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) who worked for Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was criminally convicted in 2016 of sexually exploiting and abusing patients under the guise of medical care.
Hadden used his position of authority and trust to sexually exploit women and girls for nearly three decades as a Columbia University physician.
All the while, Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital administrators turned their backs and ignored reports of Hadden’s abuse, gaslighting patients and the public.
Read More:
Years of Abuse: 1979 – 2022
Brief:
David H. Broadbent is a former OB/GYN under criminal investigation and facing civil lawsuits for sexual abuse of patients.
Broadent worked at multiple medical facilities in the Provo, Orem and Salt Lake City, UT areas.
These facilities included Intermountain Healthcare’s Utah Valley Hospital, MountainStar Healthcare’s Timpanogos Hospital, other Utah health care providers, and he also had adverse action taken against his medical license back in 1990.
Read More:
Years of Abuse: 1990 – 2016
Read More: University of Southern California & Predator George Tyndall
Years of Abuse: 1961 – 1996
Brief:
22 predator teachers and administrators, over the course of 35 years.
Years of Abuse: 1960 – 1982
If you have any questions about whether or not you have a case, or just want to obtain more information about what you’ve experienced – feel free to contact us through our secure website chat.
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