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Definition: Symptoms the rape survivor experiences that are both
mental (emotional) and physical. The rape survivor will
experience symptoms of physically reliving the rape, fear of
seeing
i
th
the assailant,
il t fear
f
off another
th attack,
tt k sleep
l
disturbances,
di t b
nightmares, fear, suspiciousness, anxiety, major depression, and
impairment in social functions.
Originally identified by Ann Wolbert Burgess and Lynda Lytle
Homstrom in the mid-seventies after studying the typical patterns
of rape survivors
survivors.
Reactions and adjustment to rape are similar to those that might
b
be experienced
i
d after
ft other
th ttypes off major
j lif
life ttraumas. R
Reactions
ti
vary from individual to individual depending on the victim’s age,
maturity, life experience, and support systems. There is no one
way that victim’s
victim s respond to rape
rape.
When a person experiences a traumatic event,
whether it is physical or psychological, they will
respond
d in
i a predictable
di t bl manner.
Wh
When
th
the
response to a trauma consists of a series of
reactions that series is called a syndrome.
syndrome
The various responses to the initial assault fall into two
categories; expressed and controlled. Survivors engaging
in expressed responses are open with their emotions and
are in an emotional state. Examples of expressed
responses are crying, yelling, showing anger, or agitation.
Th second
The
d ttype off response iis k
known as th
the controlled
t ll d.
Survivors engaging in this style of response contain their
emotions and focus more on keeping their composure.
Th
These
responses are a result
l off the
h survivor
i
“regrouping”
“
i ”
after the situation that has occurred. Again, neither
response is superior to the other. It is important to note
that there is no “wrong” way to cope with the immediate
after effects of sexual trauma. Each survivor is unique and
will process the assault in different ways.
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Impact Stage: Initial and directly after trauma
Acute Stage: Generally lasts 4-8 weeks after
the
h assault
l
Resolution Stage: After 8 weeks crisis should
be mostly resolved. However, the crisis may
reoccur when certain triggers appear
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The impact stage is the initial stage most survivors
experience.
How
to identify
may appear dazed,
H
id
if it:
i the
h survivor
i
d
d
in a state of un-reality and struggling to
comprehend
p
the rape.
p
There is a wide range of symptoms that rape
survivors express during this time: from calm and
controlling to hysterical and crying
crying. Often the
survivor will make comments like, “I can’t believe
this happened to me” or some other shock-type of
statement which disclaims the actuality of the
traumatic event. The victim is realizing that their
lifestyle has been completely disrupted.
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Shock: The person appears to be on automatic pilot and may act as
like they normally do. If this response does not work, then crisis
sets in.
Denial: The person may refuse or avoid talking about the incident,
or even try not to think about it. The person may refuse or avoid
talking about the incident, or even try not to think about it. The
person wants to forget what happened.
happened This is usually a short-lived
short lived
response.
Rationalization: Involves a lot of talking and repeating the same
g over and over,, often may
y appear
pp
to be void of emotions. It is
things
usually a verbal processing of thoughts. A person might ask a lot
of, “What if…” and “Why didn’t I…” questions.
Common concerns during this stage: decisions regarding medical
care, police
li iinvolvement,
l
t physical
h i l security,
it etc.,
t h
how significant
i ifi
t
others will respond to the assault. The survivor may still feel a loss
of control. Sometimes signs of depression will serve to mask other
feelings.
g
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This stage generally last 4
4-8
8 weeks after the assault.
During this stage, the survivor’s usual coping mechanisms have failed and a
struggle to regain control is occurring. Some of the symptoms of Rape Trauma
Syndrome during this acute state could include:
◦ Physical: Fatigue
Fatigue, soreness
soreness, pain
pain, etc
etc. Some are real and some are
psychosomatic. Sleep pattern disturbances are common. The survivor usually
has trouble sleeping or restless nights when they wake and cannot go back to
sleep. Some will have nightmares and wake up screaming, etc. Eating pattern
disturbances can include decreases in appetite
appetite, nausea and vomiting or
stomach pains. Symptoms specific to the attack could be the mouth and throat
irritation caused by oral sex, vaginal discharge, bleeding, pain, swelling, etc.,
caused by anal sex.
◦ Emotional:
E
ti
l P
Primary
i
symptoms
t
iinclude
l d ffear off death,
d th injury,
i j
mutilation,
til ti
etc.
t Th
The
survivor feels a combination of “thankful to be alive” and “fear of death” which
is related to a loss of control. Shame, guilt and anger are also symptoms that
may be occurring.
h
h
ll often
f
h
h off the
h attack.
k
◦ Thoughts-Cognitive:
Survivors will
try to suppress thoughts
Often when this approach is used the survivor suffers from flashbacks and
nightmares. Most go through a rationalization process throughout the
duration of syndrome- “What if…”, “If I had only…”, and “Why did this happen
to me?”
?”
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At the end of 8 weeks, the crisis should be mostly
resolved. However, the crisis may reoccur when certain
triggers appear and remind the survivor of the assault.
For example, testifying in court, seeing a person who
resembles the rapist,
p , or having
g to g
go for HIV,, p
pregnancy
g
y
test, etc. can trigger a crisis response.
There may continue to be a disruption in the survivor’s
life However
life.
However, if symptoms continue,
continue or get worse,
worse a
referral for professional help may be needed.
Reference: “Rape Trauma Syndrome: The Journey to Healing Belongs to Everyone.” Amy
Menna, PH.D., LMHC, CA