Negative body image is an often-overlooked repercussion of sexual assault. 

Victims feel guilty and ashamed even though the assault is not their fault.  No one asks for it.  Clothing does not contribute to an act of sexual violence.  Alcohol or drug use does not allow for consent.  If someone is under the influence, they cannot legally consent.  If the act is not consensual, let’s call this out for what this is:  rape. 

Imagine looking at yourself in the mirror.  Are you seeing yourself as you really are? 

Or are you looking at yourself through someone else’s eyes?  What messages are you receiving?  How are these messages affecting your perceptions of who you are?

Verbal abuse in toxic or violent relationships often involves hypercriticism of the victim’s appearance, perceived sexuality, or character traits.