University of AkureyriSigurðardóttir, SigrúnHalldórsdóttir, Sigríður2025-11-142025-11-142021-02-14Sigurðardóttir, S & Halldórsdóttir, S 2021, 'Persistent suffering : The serious consequences of sexual violence against women and girls, their search for inner healing and the significance of the #metoo movement', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 4, 1849, pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph180418491661-782770302751eb84fce6-6758-4dda-afab-89fc89adbc7eORCID: /0000-0003-2898-3240/work/8904437133672865unpaywall: 10.3390/ijerph1804184900062358940000185100748779https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/5840Funding Information: Funding: This research received no external funding but was supported by the University of Aku-reyri. Funding Information: This research received no external funding but was supported by the University of Akureyri. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo movement is also examined. The main finding is that sexual violence causes persistent suffering for women and girls. In childhood and adolescence, the main consequences include a feeling of unbearable secrecy, threat and humiliation; disconnection of body and soul; great fear and constant insecurity; damaged self-image, self-accusation and guilt; experiencing being compelled to take full responsibility for the crime; as well as various physical and mental health problems, e.g., suicidal thoughts. In adulthood, the consequences are also multifaceted and varied, including vaginal problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, chronic back problems, and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, social anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue. In conclusion, sexual violence has these extremely negative and long-term consequences because of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. The seriousness of the consequences makes a trauma-informed approach to services essential to support the healing and improved health and well-being of survivors.This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo movement is also examined. The main finding is that sexual violence causes persistent suffering for women and girls. In childhood and adolescence, the main consequences include a feeling of unbearable secrecy, threat and humiliation; disconnection of body and soul; great fear and constant insecurity; damaged self-image, self-accusation and guilt; experiencing being compelled to take full responsibility for the crime; as well as various physical and mental health problems, e.g., suicidal thoughts. In adulthood, the consequences are also multifaceted and varied, including vag-inal problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, chronic back problems, and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, social anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue. In conclusion, sexual violence has these extremely negative and long-term consequences because of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. The seriousness of the consequences makes a trauma-informed approach to services essential to support the healing and im-proved health and well-being of survivors.147858261-14eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessConsequences of violenceInter-personal violenceSexual violenceTheory synthesis, psychoneuroimmunologyTrauma-informed careVictimsWomen’s health and wellbeingKynferðislegt ofbeldiKonurMeTooPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational HealthHealth, Toxicology and MutagenesisSDG 2 - Zero HungerSDG 6 - Clean Water and SanitationSDG 3 - Good Health and Well-beingSDG 4 - Quality EducationSDG 1 - No PovertySDG 5 - Gender EqualitySDG 10 - Reduced InequalitiesSDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13 - Climate ActionSDG 14 - Life Below WaterSDG 15 - Life on LandSDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsSDG 17 - Partnerships for the GoalsSDG 7 - Affordable and Clean EnergySDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure/dk/atira/pure/researchoutput/researchoutputtypes/contributiontojournal/article10.3390/ijerph18041849