Psychological Recovery After Sexual Violence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Sexual violence is a coercive violation of autonomy that can produce persistent psychological burden, yet survivor outcomes vary across developmental timing, coercive context, disclosure response, and service access. This revised systematic review manuscript synthesizes empirical evidence on psychological sequelae and recovery pathways after sexual violence. The review was structured using PRISMA-informed procedures, with Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, ProQuest, and citation searching specified as information sources. Eligible studies include empirical research on adolescent or adult survivors reporting psychological, cognitive-affective, behavioral, disclosure, help-seeking, or recovery outcomes. The synthesis indicates that PTSD, depression, anxiety, shame, self-blame, dissociation, suicidality, substance-related coping, and impaired trust often co-occur. Recovery is best interpreted as a clinical, relational, and institutional process shaped by social support, trauma-informed care, survivor agency, and institutional accountability. Because the attached draft did not contain authenticated database exports, the PRISMA counts remain provisional and must be audited before submission. Future studies should strengthen longitudinal designs, subgroup representation, and measurement of digital abuse.