Sexual Assault: Medical and Psychological Impact, Consent Violations, Trauma Mechanisms, and Reporting Guidance
Sexual assault is any unwanted or coerced sexual act or sexual contact without valid consent. From a medical and public-health perspective, it is best understood as a traumatic exposure that engages both acute stress physiology and longer-term mental and physical health pathways. Consent is central: valid consent requires capacity, voluntariness, and an unambiguous agreement. When… Read More »