Exploring the Increased Risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Following a Sexual Assault: Implications for Individuals Who Identify as a Sexual Minority

Abstract

Decades of research have enhanced our understanding of the psychological impact of sexual victimization, including risk factors through which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifests. Research on sexual assault and PTSD predominately reflects the experience of heterosexual women, yet sexual minorities are both at increased risk of sexual assault and suffer greater negative health outcomes from it. In these cases, PTSD is linked to a clearly identifiable cause, thereby making it possible to identify individuals at risk, enhance interventions immediately following the traumatic event, and offer services to mitigate further harm. This narrative review explores the potential risk factors for PTSS and PTSD among individuals who experience sexual assault and identify as a sexual minority. Knowledge of these compounding risk factors among service providers will assist in obtaining sexual assault disclosures in a sensitive and supportive manner, leading to the provision of early interventions to mitigate the risks of developing PTSD following sexual assault. The findings suggest that empirical investigation is urgently required to develop evidence-informed practices in providing targeted interventions for sexual and gender minorities following a sexual assault and mitigating further adverse health outcomes.