Covering their face and nose now can trigger flashbacks, panic attacks and severe anxiety.

Victims say that they are stigmatised for not wearing masks in public places
Many rape victims have their mouths and noses covered during attacks
Covering the face can therefore trigger flashbacks and cause severe distress
Charity warns victims are simply staying indoors to avoid being ostracised.

A number of sexual abuse victims have told charity Rape Crisis that they are avoiding places they would usually go to for fear of being stigmatised for not putting on a mask.

A significant proportion of rape survivors had their mouths or noses covered, or were choked or smothered, as part of the abuse and violence they experienced,’ Kate Russell, national spokesperson for the charity, told The Guardian  a British based newspaper.

Covering their face and nose now can trigger flashbacks, panic attacks and severe anxiety,’ Ms Russell added.