Impact of social isolation on mental health in women survivors of sexual violence

Social isolation among women who survive sexual violence is linked to worse mental health, yet isolation specific evidence is limited. To synthesize evidence on links between social isolation and mental health outcomes, distinguishing structural and subjective isolation. A scoping review was conducted under PRISMA-ScR and the Arksey and O’Malley/JBI framework. 4 databases were searched for studies from 2000 to August 2025. Eligibility required explicit isolation measures in women survivors and reported mental health outcomes studies of social support or loneliness alone were excluded. Data were charted and synthesized narratively. 5 studies met inclusion criteria. 2 used subjective scales, 3 used structural network indicators. Across studies, greater isolation correlated with higher PTSD distress, depressive symptoms, and suicidality risk. One group program reduced isolation and hopelessness versus waitlist. Negative disclosure reactions, especially online, correlated with higher isolation. Despite the small evidence base, findings consistently indicate that isolation worsens mental health and hinders recovery after sexual violence. Survivor centred, gender responsive, trauma informed strategies that expand networks and reduce disclosure harms are warranted. Future research should standardize measures, test mechanisms, and evaluate culturally grounded interventions in low resource.