Skip to main content

Sexual violence

According to the Service Statistique Ministériel de la Sécurité Intérieure (SSMSI), over 114,000 victims of sexual violence were recorded in France in 2023, up 7% on the previous year. Of these, 37% were victims of rape or attempted rape.

These figures testify to the scale of the problem of sexual violence, and underline the urgent need for effective awareness-raising, prevention and treatment.

There is a close link between sexual violence and psychotrauma. This dossier is intended not only for direct victims, but also for their families, healthcare professionals and anyone concerned with understanding and supporting victims of sexual violence.

Please note that some of the chapters in this file may be difficult to read. Take the time to prepare yourself. If you feel uncomfortable, move on to the next chapter.

Click here to view the full PDF file

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that arises following a traumatic event in which one is or feels confronted with death (an armed conflict, a terrorist attack, a car accident, etc.) or one's physical integrity is attacked (a physical and/or sexual assault, rape, etc.). It's a reaction to intense stress, usually occurring within a month of the event, but can also manifest itself several months or even years after the trauma. It affects more women than men, and children too.

shutterstock 1469282462 - Cn2r

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD

There are four main types of symptoms that must persist for at least a month and cause discomfort:

- Avoidance symptoms: when we avoid going down a particular street, doing a particular activity, etc. In short, we avoid anything that might remind us of the traumatic event. In short, we avoid anything that might remind us of the traumatic event. It can also mean avoiding thinking or talking about it, which makes it all the more difficult to take care of.

- Intrusion symptoms : for example, reliving the traumatic event and the emotions felt at the time. These are particularly violent moments, and can paralyze the person experiencing them. They can take the form of flashbacks, nightmares...

- Hypervigilance: you'll jump at the slightest noise, be on the alert all the time, turn around in the street to see if anyone's following you, etc. There are also sleep disorders, irritability, concentration problems, impulsive behaviour...

- Negative emotions or ideas about oneself: one will feel anger, fear, guilt or shame in connection with the event, one will feel insensitive or disconnected from others, one's surroundings. It can also be an inabilitý to remember important elements of one's life or traumatic events (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not because of other factors such as head trauma, or alcohol or drug use), or a distortion in the temporality or memory of the event.

Risk factors for PTSD

Not everyone develops PTSD after a traumatic event, but there are factors that increase the risk. These factors include:

- The severity of the event ;

- The person's proximity to the event;

- Lack of social support;

- Past trauma history;

- A history of other mental disorders.

It's important to understand that PTSD is not a weakness. PTSD is a psychological disorder that can occur in anyone who has been exposed to extraordinary and threatening events. In the following chapters, we'll look at how to identify, manage and overcome PTSD > Learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder

coercive control trauma cn2r

Sexual violence: a few guidelines

In this dossier, we'll be talking about sexual violence. But the term covers a wide range of situations. Here's how the law defines them:

Different types of violence

Rape: is defined as any act of sexual penetration of any kind whatsoever, or any oral-genital act committed on the person of another or on the person of the perpetrator by violence, constraint, threat or surprise. Rape is also considered to be any act committed by an adult on a minor aged 15 or under, or when the difference in age between the adult and the minor is at least five years, even without violence, coercion, threat or surprise. This is a felony. Reference: article 222-23 of the French Penal Code

Incestuous rape: when committed by an ascendant (and his or her spouse if he or she has authority over the victim), brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great-uncle, great-aunt, nephew or niece. This is an aggravating circumstance. Reference: article 222-22-3 of the French Penal Code

Sexual assault: is a sexual act committed against a person with violence, coercion, threats or surprise, but without penetration (otherwise known as rape). It involves forced contact with specific parts of the body: sex, buttocks, breasts, thighs, mouth. Sexual assault can also be classified as incestuous if committed by one of the persons mentioned in the previous paragraph. This is an offence. Reference: article 222-22 of the French Penal Code

There are other forms of sexual violence defined by law, such as pimping of minors or vulnerable persons, sexual harassment, revenge porn, etc. To find out more, you can consult the Nous Toutes collective website, which offers interesting resources and even training courses on how to characterize and understand violence, this booklet published by the Collectif féministe contre le viol (Feminist Collective against Rape), which is very comprehensive on legal definitions and legal paths, or the fact sheets from the Observatoire des violences sexistes et sexuelles de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (New Aquitaine Observatory on sexist and sexual violence).

Why is it important to define them?

Knowing how to define rape, sexual assault or any other form of sexual violence is important in order to be able to take appropriate legal action, access appropriate medical and psychological care, benefit from the support of associations, etc. If I'm in any doubt about how to describe what I've experienced, I can contact a specialized association (see below: "Who can I ask for help?"). I can also call 3919, the national reference number for listening to and guiding women who are victims of violence.

Dr. Mélanie Voyer, psychiatrist and forensic pathologist
Many victims have difficulty determining whether or not they have been raped. The question of consent is very important. We often hear: "I couldn't push him away". The consequence is that women don't feel right to talk about what happened, or they fear reprisals.

Key figures

114 000
victims of sexual violence. In 2023, the security services recorded 114,000 victims of sexual violence. Of these victims, 74% had suffered violence outside the family or marital context, representing almost 84,000 people.

96%
of perpetrators are men. With regard to sexual violence outside the family, the majority of victims have suffered physical sexual violence, such as rape or attempted rape, assault or sexual molestation. Women, whether minors or adults, make up 85% of the victims of such violence, while the perpetrators are almost exclusively men, representing 96% of those implicated.

1 in 2 women
are victims of gender-based or sexual violence. In France, more than one in two women (53%) and more than six in ten young women (63%) have been victims of sexual harassment or assault at least once in their lives. Source

80 %
of disabled women are victims of violence. Nearly 80% of disabled women are victims of violence. They are also four times more likely to suffer sexual violence than the rest of the female population.

2 minutes 30
a rape or attempted rape every 2 minutes 30 (Nous Toutes collective). In 2021, in mainland France, women aged 18 to 74 were the victims of at least 210,000 rapes or attempted rapes during the year.

Find all the sources in the PDF document at the top of the page.

Key stages in the legal process

The legal process can seem complex and lengthy, especially when you've suffered violence and fear reprisals, for example. But knowing what to expect and how to prepare is essential to protecting yourself throughout the process. You can find all the points below in the PDF file:

  • Filing a complaint and investigation
  • The investigation and the possibility of dismissal
  • Preparing for trial

The Memo de vie tool also enables you to keep a record of the violence you have experienced. In particular, the application facilitates administrative, legal and psychological procedures by enabling users to download and share a structured account of dated, detailed facts, clues and securely grouped documents.

Dr. Mélanie Voyer, psychiatrist and forensic pathologist
During the entire procedure, you must not hesitate to call on your lawyer, a victims' association or a victim support organization, etc. The most important points to watch out for are all the moments when you need to talk about the facts again. The most important points to bear in mind are all the moments when the facts will need to be re-evoked.

The impact of sexual violence on my mental health

Beyond the taboo that surrounds issues of sexual violence, the phenomenon of dissociation includes reactions of stupefaction and amnesia, which often prevent victims from talking about their experiences, let alone at short notice. These phenomena are normal responses to extreme stress, not signs of weakness or complicity.

Other consequences of trauma: Sexual violence has long-lasting psychological consequences that can manifest themselves immediately after the assault, as well as years later. One of the most common consequences of sexual violence is the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. But there are other reactions that can occur when someone is sexually abused as an adult.

Dizziness and dissociation

Dissociation enables the person to detach themselves emotionally and mentally from the experience, as if they were a spectator rather than an actor. For example, you may feel detached from your body, "as if in a dream".

Stunned is a reaction of psychological and physical paralysis in the face of extreme danger, often described as emotional "coldness" or "freezing". In the case of sexual assault, it manifests itself as the inability to react, defend oneself or flee, even if the person is aware of the danger.

According to a Swedish study published in 2017, 70% of victims of sexual violence are affected by sideration. This inability has an influence on the legal process, during which they are asked to recount in detail the violence they have experienced and to be credible, something that dissociation makes impossible.

Fear, anxiety, social phobia, distrust

After a sexual assault, I may experience intense fear that prevents me from feeling safe, even in familiar surroundings. This anxiety can evolve into social phobia, where social interactions become a source of anguish. I may gradually become afraid to go to public places or large gatherings, and limit my interactions, which can lead to social isolation.

This can make it difficult for me to seek professional help. Conversely, having experienced sexual violence can alter my assessment of the level of danger; in this case, I'll trust others blindly and possibly put myself in danger.

 

New

Fatima Le-Griguer Atig, psychologist in charge of USAP coordination
Among victims of sexual assault, we often find attitudes of prostration. These are people who gradually isolate themselves socially: from family, friends, work...

Distress, depression, suicidal ideation, self-mutilation

Psychological distress is an immediate and prolonged reaction to sexual violence. In such cases, I will experience deep sadness, a sense of hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities I once enjoyed. This distress can evolve into depression, characterized by low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and shame, and sleep disturbances.

Major depression can also include suicidal thoughts, making daily life extremely difficult to manage. Suicidal thoughts can be persistent and intrusive, and in some cases lead to suicide attempts.

If I'm in distress and/or have suicidal thoughts, or if I want to help someone in distress, I call 3114.

Sometimes, self-harm becomes a way of coping with unbearable emotional pain. By physically hurting myself, I try to relieve psychological distress, regain a sense of control, or punish my body, which I perceive as the source of my suffering. Self-harm is often a sign of deep distress and requires urgent psychological intervention.

Fatima Le Griguer Atig, psychologist in charge of USAP coordination
Victims of sexual assault are exposed to a disinvestment in their bodies. Some people will stop taking care of themselves, give up on their image because they don't want to attract attention, and will "neglect" themselves, sometimes to the point of no longer washing. At the other end of the spectrum, other people will have washing rituals, washing several times a day with the feeling of having a "soiled" body. Unfortunately, this can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Alcohol and drug abuse, impact on sex life

Sexual violence can also lead to self-medicating behaviors, turning to alcohol and drugs to escape emotional pain. Substance abuse may provide temporary relief, but it often exacerbates long-term mental health problems, leading to dependency and worsening psychological distress. Substance use is often an attempt to manage symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbance or flashbacks, but it leads to further complications and requires specialized care.

Having suffered sexual violence, either as an adult or as a child, can profoundly alter my relationship with sexuality and prevent me from enjoying a fulfilling sexual life, even years later. This disturbance is often directly linked to the psychological trauma and the resulting avoidance behaviors: I'll do everything in my power to prevent my body from being touched again, sometimes to the point of stopping having sex altogether.

shutterstock 542130058 - Cn2r

Simple or complex psychotrauma?

Victims of sexual violence can suffer from simple or complex psychotrauma, depending on a number of factors, including the nature and repetition of the violence suffered, and the age at which they were exposed to the trauma.

Find out more about complex psychotrauma > our fact sheet. Also worth reading: the " Domestic violence " dossier and the " Children and adolescents" dossier.

Simple post-traumatic stress disorder

Simple post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually develops after a single exposure to an extreme traumatic event, such as rape or sexual assault.

Symptoms of simple PTSD often include reliving of the trauma, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and cognitive and emotional alterations. This type of trauma is often linked to a single major traumatic incident (see top of page).

Complex PTSD

Complex psychotrauma, or complex PTSD (C-PTSD), can develop after exposure to an event or series of events of an extremely threatening or terrifying nature, usually prolonged, or to repetitive events from which escape is difficult or impossible (e.g. situations of torture, slavery, genocidal campaigns, prolonged domestic violence, sexual violence or physical abuse of children).

This includes chronic sexual abuse, particularly that suffered in childhood or as part of domestic violence. Symptoms of complex trauma can include emotional dysregulation, altered awareness of self and others, disturbed relationships, and somatic problems. Victims of childhood sexual abuse or multiple assaults are particularly at risk of developing complex PTSD.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to complex trauma. Exposure to sexual violence during the developmental stages can lead to profound disturbances in emotional and psychological development (see below).

Acting as a family member

It's not always easy to recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder in yourself or a loved one. It's perfectly normal to feel acute stress in the days and weeks following a dramatic event, and even more so when the traumatic events accumulate.

For this reason, troublesome symptoms must have been present for at least a month before a diagnosis of PTSD can be made. Only a health professional can make a diagnosis, but we all have a role to play in spotting the disorder (see above > Recognizing PTSD symptoms).

shutterstock 1530933998 - Cn2r

I recognize the signs and listen without judgment

It's a proven fact: social support is a key protective factor against psychotrauma. Someone who is well surrounded will be less likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, and will recover more quickly. Your support, even non-professional, is therefore essential.

As someone close to someone affected, I can recognize some of the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder:

- Changes in behavior: if I observe marked changes in a loved one's behavior after he or she has experienced sexual assault or rape, such as social isolation, I need to be alert;

- Nightmares and sleep disorders: if someone tells me about frequent nightmares or sleep problems, they may be testing for PTSD;

- Unexplained physical symptoms: people with PTSD may also experience headaches, body aches or other physical symptoms with no apparent cause.

To support a loved one who has been sexually abused and appears to be developing symptoms of PTSD (or acute stress disorder), I can follow these recommendations if I myself am able to help in the moment:

I listen carefully to what my loved one wants to share and avoid minimizing their feelings or judging their reactions. I let him talk at his own pace and don't press him to tell what happened if he's not ready. I can also assure him that what he's feeling is normal. For example, I can say, "What you're feeling is understandable after what you've been through." The key is not to minimize his emotions, and to avoid advice like "Try not to think about it."

I make sure he or she is safe and offer information and resources

I listen carefully to what my loved one wants to share and avoid minimizing their feelings or judging their reactions. I let him talk at his own pace and don't press him to tell what happened if he's not ready. I can also assure him that what he's feeling is normal. For example, I can say, "What you're feeling is understandable after what you've been through." The key is not to minimize his emotions, and to avoid advice like "Try not to think about it."

For example, I can provide information on specialized hotlines such as 3919 (violence against women) or victim support associations. I can inform them of their rights, the legal steps they can take, and the places where they can get help, etc. I share reliable websites where they can find information and testimonials.

Beware, charlatans and "gurus" may want to take advantage of the pain felt by victims of sexual violence to extract money from them. I check the reliability of the information and resource people I recommend to my loved one, and I am attentive to any change in their behavior (sleep disturbance, change of clothing, isolation...).

I encourage her to seek care and watch for signs of suicidal crisis.

I encourage my loved one to consult a mental health professional trained in psychotrauma, and offer to accompany him or her to appointments if this will help him or her feel less alone and more supported. I can also find out about the various therapies that are recommended, such as CBT or EMDR, so that I can pass on the information and help him or her find a suitable follow-up (see "Treatment centers" below). On a day-to-day basis, I can also suggest self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, cardiac coherence exercises and so on.

Sexual violence significantly increases the risk of developing PTSD, which in turn is strongly associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. It is estimated that victims of sexual violence are two to three times more likely to commit suicide, and this risk is even higher in those who develop PTSD as a result of the violence. In the event of a crisis, I don't hesitate to call emergency services (15) or seek professional help immediately.

If I want to help someone who is suffering, I can contact the national suicide prevention number, 3114. 3114 is accessible 24/7, free of charge, throughout France. A healthcare professional, specifically trained in suicide prevention, will be there to listen to me.

Who to ask for help?

Facilities such as the psychotrauma unit at Robert Ballanger hospital in Aulnay-Sous-Bois also offer group workshops to complement brief therapies.

Fatima Le-Griguer Atig, psychologist and USAP coordinator
The idea is to help people re-socialize, to break the isolation that can occur when they have been victims, particularly of sexual assault, and also to offer them psycho-corporal activities.

Organizing my safety

If I'm in danger, if I'm threatened with reprisals, if I'm afraid to ask for help because I'm afraid my attacker will find me, I first organize my own safety. For example, local associations such as Solfa, in northern France, welcome women victims of violence in places where their address is unknown. In any case, I can call 3919 and ask for help to protect myself, for example by asking to be anonymized before starting a treatment process.

Specialized care centers

A number of specialized care centers can help victims of sexual violence, particularly in terms of psychotraumatic repercussions. Here, we'll be talking about facilities for adult victims (for children and teenagers, see below).

Centers Régionaux du Psychotraumatisme (CRP) (Regional Psychotrauma Centres) are located in every region of France to help people suffering from psychotrauma. Some centers specialize in the care of adults and/or children, while others cater specifically for female victims of sexual violence. To find the CRP nearest me, consult this map. Please note that it may take some time to get an appointment.

Centers Médico-Psychologiques (CMP) provide free psychiatric and psychological consultations. They offer outpatient care and can refer patients to specialized services if necessary. They exist all over France (to find the one nearest you, type CMP + the name of the nearest large town into any search engine).

Psychologists and psychiatrists working in private practice, i.e. outside hospital structures, specialize in the treatment of psychotrauma. These consultations are not reimbursed, except under special arrangements.

Which therapy works best? CBT, EMDR... There are several therapies recommended for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. To help me decide which therapy to turn to, I can consult this page.

Directory of associations

Associations play a major role in supporting victims of sexual violence and can offer various forms of support: legal advice, psychological support, discussion groups, emergency accommodation, etc. In addition to those already mentioned in this dossier, here are a few - the list is not exhaustive. If you would like to list your association, please contact us at redaction@cn2r.fr.

Collectif Féministe Contre le Viol (CFCV ): Listening, support and information via the "Viols Femmes Informations" hotline (0800 05 95 95), legal and psychological support.

France Victimes: assistance and support for victims of all kinds of violence, including sexual violence, with a network of 130 local associations offering legal, psychological and social assistance. Call number: 116 006

Fédération Nationale Solidarité Femmes (FNSF ): national helpline "3919 - Violences Femmes Info" for women victims of violence (domestic, sexual, etc.), emergency accommodation, social and legal support.

Association En parler: discussion groups for victims of sexual violence, psychological support and accompaniment.

En avant toute(s): support and accompaniment for young people, women and LGBTQIA+ people who are victims of sexist and/or sexual violence, with an anonymous and secure chat platform commentonsaime.fr offering online listening and support, aimed primarily at young women, and another platform premieresfois.fr aimed at 10-14 year-olds.

Femmes Solidaires: solidarity and self-help network for women victims of violence, offering awareness-raising and prevention initiatives, as well as personalized support and guidance.

Face à l'incceste: support for victims of incest and sexual violence, awareness-raising campaigns and legal assistance.

Colossus with feet of clay: support for victims of paedocriminality and sexual violence in sport, legal and psychological support, and prevention in sports facilities.

Le Refuge: support and accommodation for LGBT+ young people who are victims of family violence and exclusion because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including sexual violence.

Other financial and legal assistance

FGTI compensation: rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor are among the offenses for which it is possible to obtain compensation from the Fonds de garantie des victimes (FGTI). Claims must be submitted to the Commission d'indemnisation des victimes d'infractions in your jurisdiction. To find out more > Crime victims

Emergency financial assistance: since 2023, victims of domestic violence can benefit from emergency financial assistance calculated according to their level of resources and the number of dependent children. Applications must be made to the CAF. More details > Emergency assistance and new start pack

Victims of sexual violence during childhood and adolescence are entitled to 100% reimbursement of their medical expenses. The request can be made by the attending physician and forwarded to the CPAM (as for long-term illnesses). Further information > site du collectif féministe contre le viol

Associative support: associations such as those in the France Victimes network can offer legal support to victims of sexual violence. For further information, contact the network by e-mail or by telephone on 1116 006.

Legal aid is a right for all victims of rape. It is granted to victims of sexual assault on a means-tested basis. I apply to my local court.

10 techniques to help yourself

In addition to seeking professional help, there are techniques you can use to help yourself cope with PTSD. These are not intended to "cure" the trauma, nor to replace treatment or therapy, but to provide a few tips for everyday life.

Here are some examples > 10 techniques to help yourself after a trauma

How can I help a child/teenager?

Sexual violence can have a profound impact on children's mental health, manifesting itself in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms. Being a child, even a very young one, does not make you immune to trauma, nor does it prevent you from developing post-traumatic stress disorder. The same goes for teenagers.

As a parent or close relative of a child, you can fortunately prevent certain types of violence and thus limit the risk of the child developing PTSD.

Child abuse, incest... How can we protect them?

Pedocriminality or pedophilia? According to the Larousse dictionary, paedocriminality is all sexual violence committed against a minor. For Interpol, paedocriminality covers any criminal act committed against a child (sexual violence, but also human trafficking, slavery, kidnapping, etc.). In France, this term is considered preferable to pedophilia by victims, because it clearly emphasizes the notion of crime. Please note: some people are attracted to paedophilia but never act on it. If this is my case, I can call 0 806 23 10 63 (confidential and not surcharged) for professional help.

I learn about risks and operating procedures:

There are many preconceived ideas about the profile of paedophiles, the methods they use, the age at which a particular risk arises... To best protect your child from these risks, you need to be as well-informed as possible, even if reading or watching documents on the subject is sometimes difficult. In this respect, psychologist Joanna Smith's guide Protecting your child from sexual violence is extremely comprehensive and accessible to all.

Contrary to popular belief, the most high-risk environment for children is... the family circle. According to a 2023 study, more than a third of women and nearly a quarter of men who were sexually abused as children were assaulted by a family member (father, stepfather, brother, uncle, etc.).

I explain to my child what it's all about:

Depending on the child's age, I can discuss sex education topics such as consent, the limits of intimacy and access to pornography. I teach my child to say "no" firmly, and to ask a trusted adult for help if necessary. There are many guides available for parents and adult caregivers.

Some useful links :

I remain vigilant:

I'm vigilant about my child's entourage. Who are his friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors...? I'm alert to signs of inappropriate or suspicious behavior on the part of adults. I carefully observe my child's behavior and am alert to sudden or inexplicable changes, such as regression, sleep disorders, anxiety or isolation.

Sport is one of the most high-risk environments for sexual violence against minors. For a better understanding of this phenomenon, take a look at our fact sheet on violence in sport and our interview with Greg Décamps, teacher-researcher in sport psychology.

CIIVISE, or Commission indépendante sur l'inceste et les violences sexuelles faites aux enfants (Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Abuse of Children), is a commission set up to help better understand and combat incest and sexual abuse of children in France. In addition to collecting testimonies from those who have been sexually abused as children, the commission formulates recommendations to improve the prevention of such violence and facilitate care for victims. Find out more > website.

Who can I turn to for help for my child/teenager?

In addition to the structures listed at the beginning of this file, assistance may be offered:

In medical-psychopedagogical centers (CMPP) all over France; to find them, type "CMPP" into any search engine. These centers offer specific services for children and adolescents;

Children's CMPs offer free psychiatric and psychological consultations. They offer outpatient care and can refer to specialized services if necessary. There are CMPs all over France (to find the one nearest you, type CMP + the name of your nearest town into any search engine).

In teenagers' homes, which are specially designed to support and help teenagers and young adults;

By PMI (Protection maternelle et infantile) services, for pregnant women and young children.

Signs of PTSD in children and adolescents

Children and adolescents are not "protected" from psychotrauma because of their young age. Whether they have confided in us about a sexual assault or not, I can be alert to the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder to help my child get better. Symptoms can include intense fears, nightmares, difficulty distinguishing past from present, stress reactions linked to the uncertainty of their situation...

Warning signs

Dr. Mélanie Voyer, psychiatrist and forensic pathologist
Any symptom that indicates difficulties in a child's psycho-affective development, behavioral problems, symptoms of depression or aggression, should be questioned. If the child is old enough to talk, ask him or her a simple question: "How are you? Has anyone ever hurt you in body or mind?

It's important to watch out for these signs, because it's not easy to disclose sexual violence. It takes even longer when the aggressor is part of the family or family circle, as the child is afraid to speak out.

In most cases, children and adolescents who have suffered sexual violence will be more affected by what is known as complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Warning signs :

  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Fragile attachment
  • Regressions and abrupt emotional changes
  • Aggression towards self and others
  • Behavioral, attention and learning difficulties
  • Sleep and eating disorders
  • Somatic manifestations (stomachaches, headaches, eczema, etc.)
  • Feeling of never being in the right place
  • Guilt́, self-hatred, lack of self-confidence
  • Risky behavior
  • Difficulty setting limits

More in this section > Understanding complex trauma in children and adolescents

In addition to the help you can get from associations, here are a few tips to help your child cope with the trauma:

How to help your child (0 to 5 years)

I create routines

Stable routines provide a sense of security, essential for reducing anxiety. Reassuring gestures, such as a cuddle before bedtime or comforting stories, create soothing moments that help mitigate the effects of trauma.

Playing with my child

Play is an effective way for young children to release their emotions. Role-playing with dolls or figurines enables the child to express difficult feelings and experiences indirectly. Creative activities such as drawing or painting also help children to express their feelings non-verbally.

I encourage physical contact

Gentle, comforting physical contact (e.g. cuddling) releases soothing hormones and reduces stress. Simply carrying my child in my arms strengthens the emotional bond. 

How to help your child (ages 6 to 12)

I bet on creative hobbies

I encourage my child to express himself through art (drawing, painting, writing, dancing...). Artistic expression offers a way of giving shape to emotions that are difficult to verbalize. It helps children better understand and cope with painful experiences. Diaries can also be a useful tool for expressing feelings.

I encourage open discussion

I try to create an environment where children feel safe to talk about their feelings and experiences. I encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings without judgment. In return, I offer age-appropriate, honest and reassuring answers.

 I offer soothing activities

Sporting or artistic activities release endorphins that act as natural antidepressants. Taking part in sports, dance classes or manual activities can help release accumulated stress and promote emotional well-being. Meditation and yoga are also beneficial for some children.

How to help your child (ages 13 to 18)

I'm not afraid to talk about it

It's not always easy, but expressing their experiences openly can help teens understand and process their emotions. Open dialogue creates a safe space for sharing thoughts and concerns.

I turn it to the future

Having future goals gives meaning to the experience: sports competition, studies... This can help teenagers focus on building a positive future rather than remaining focused on the painful past.

I make sure he's well looked after

I facilitate my teen's participation in peer support groups. Teens can find comfort and advice from those who share similar experiences. Participating in social activities, clubs or support groups can be extremely beneficial to their recovery.

How can social workers and volunteers help?

Professionals who regularly interact with victims of sexual violence, whether as social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, volunteers in associations, or in reception and emergency accommodation centers, are on the front line in detecting post-traumatic stress disorder. In your day-to-day interactions with these people, you are often witness to the concrete difficulties they face, particularly the psychological after-effects of the violence they have suffered.

shutterstock 1756024634 - Cn2r

Spotting the signs of PTSD

Your role in screening for PTSD is crucial in directing victims to the appropriate resources.

Here are the signs to look out for:

- Flashbacks;

- Recurring nightmares;

- Hypervigilance;

- Excessive startle reactions;

- Intense emotional distress

- Difficulty concentrating;

- Sleep disorders;

- Avoidance behaviors;

- Sudden changes in behavior or mood.

By recognizing these signals, you can play a crucial role in directing people to appropriate resources and supporting them in accessing mental health services.

Advice and guidance

It's not always easy to know what to do when someone in distress shows signs of PTSD. In addition to referring the sufferer to a health professional, we can provide support on a day-to-day basis:

When counseling and referring male, female and child victims of sexual violence, give them clear information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a language and form they can understand. Use appropriate information sheets, translated if necessary, to help victims better understand what is happening to them.

Videos are often a good medium for psycho-education. Here are three videos that explain post-traumatic stress disorder in a simple way:

Assure them that seeing a psychologist or mental health professional doesn't mean they're "crazy". Emphasize that they won't be forced to tell their whole story again, and that there are ways to feel better.

Creating a reassuring and stable environment is essential to helping victims of sexual violence feel safe. Make sure you maintain a lasting bond with the people you counsel and refer. Social support plays an important role in the healing process of PTSD, so maintaining an ongoing, empathetic relationship can be an important protective factor for their mental well-being.

Listen to the person you're supporting and their needs, without doing things for them or forcing them to do things at a time when they don't feel ready. Let them go at their own pace: it's not necessarily the right time for them to lodge a complaint, start therapy or work on traumatic memories.

Protecting yourself

Your involvement with victims of sexual violence can have a significant impact on your own mental well-being. Repeated exposure to traumatic stories increases the risk of developing vicarious post-traumatic stress disorder (vicarious PTSD).

Vicarious PTSD is a form of traumatic stress that affects individuals who are repeatedly exposed to the traumatic stories or experiences of others, often as part of their work or professional commitment. Unlike classic PTSD, where the individual is directly exposed to a traumatic event, vicarious PTSD develops in those who hear about or witness the traumas experienced by others. To find out more, visit

Certain signs may alert you to the state of your mental health and the possibility that you are developing vicarious PTSD. For example:

  • If you find it hard to let go of your work when you get home ;
  • If you feel constantly preoccupied by a person you are accompanying ;
  • If you feel disproportionately angry or irritable;
  • If you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and can't keep a distance.

Other signals may include disturbances in your sleep, increased or excessive alertness, or changes in your eating habits or social behavior. If you notice these persistent signs, don't hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional, such as your GP. They can help you find strategies to manage your stress and anxiety, and direct you to additional resources if necessary. Getting help at an early stage can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Go to main content