Sexual assault is an extremely traumatic experience and is associated with a range of negative outcomes, such as an increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress and depression. The psychological consequences of sexual assault have in recent years received great attention in the media, but are generally understudied. Only few studies have examined victim’s autobiographical memory and self-concept, despite the memory of the sexual assault often being key for the victim, in the following psychological treatment, as well as for the police and in court. This project will examine 1) symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress in Danish victims of sexual assault, 2) characteristics of the memory of the sexual assault, but also 3) if victim’s autobiographical memory and self-concept are affected more broadly after sexual assault. The results will contribute to the existing knowledge about the psychological consequences of sexual assault.

The project is conducted in collaboration with professor Dorthe Berntsen, CON AMORE, Aarhus University, the Center for Sexual Assault, Aarhus University Hospital, and the Center for Sexual Assault, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen. The project has received financial support from the Danish Victims Fund.

Duration of project: 2022-2024.