Rape Trauma Syndrome
- Immediately and several days after the rape
- Ways of showing anger
- Expressed style - fear, crying, smiling, restlessness, tenseness
- Controlled style - feelings hidden by calm, composed attitude
- Somatic reactions
- Physical: soreness from physical attack
- Skeletal muscle tension: inability to sleep, edgy, or jumpy
- Gastrointestinal irritability: Stomach pains, appetite affected, nausea
- Genital disturbances: vaginal discharge, and itchy, burning sensation on urination, chronic vaginal infections, rectal bleeding / pain
- Emotional Reactions
- Fear
- Shock, disbelief
- Agitation / anger
- Shame / self-blame
- Confusion / bewilderment
- Extreme sense of guilt
- Lasts from weeks to months
- Emotional reactions
- Intense fear
- Anxiety
- Denial
- Lost sense of security
- Physical signs
- Burning sensation when urinating and itching or burning discharge from vagina
- Tension headaches
- Nausea, caused by anti-pregnancy and/or anti-venereal medicine
- Lasts days to months
- Victim's emotions
- Loss of self-esteem as defenses break down
- Obsessive memories
- Uncertain about being able to control life, and environment
- Lasts months to years
- Emotions
- Lack of trust in men or partners
- Anxious and depressed when something reminds the victim of the rape
During each stage of Rape Trauma Syndrome the victim’s needs are paramount. They will need support from someone who accepts them, believes them, and can to listen to them. Each stage will require support to make the victim feel as safe as possible and ensure that she is not isolated and alone.