Every
woman deals with an assault in her own way.
Survivors are not to blame for the crime committed
on them by another person but need to be listened to and to have
a safe environment to work through their fears.
Physical, emotional, social or sexual reactions are all natural responses to
rape or other violent assault. They need to be recognised and, most importantly,
acknowledged in order that sustained help can be given.
A study of rape victims has identified a three-stage process, often known as
rape trauma syndrome, that occurs as a result of forcible rape or attempted
forcible rape and is an acute stress reaction to a life-threatening situation
which may last from two years to a lifetime. Survivors may take one step forward
and two back as they move between the stages and struggle to find their way.
| 1. Acute: |
begins immediately and lasts for
several days
|
| 2. Outward
Adjustment: |
apparent return to normality masks underlying
turmoil
|
| 3. Resolution: |
emotional and physical symptoms return but but
the survivor is more able to deal with the underlying turmoil
|
In the later stages support from family and friends
may fade away. Watford Rape Crisis will still be there to help.
1. Acute
The acute stage begins immediately and lasts up
to several days after the attack.
Immediate responses include physical and emotional shock which may be openly
expressed but are often controlled so that the intensity of suffering is disguised.
Physical
- May experience pain, shaking, nausea, sleeplessness
Emotional
- Overwhelming feelings of fear, humiliation, degradation,
shame, self blame, anger and revenge
- Crying spells, anxiety attacks, hallucinations
and mood swings
- Shows little emotion, act as though numb or stunned
- Experience difficulty concentrating, making decisions,
or doing simple, everyday tasks
- Have poor recall of the rape or other memories
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2. Outward Adjustment
In the second stage survivors appear to come to
terms with their issues and begin to function normally. In many
cases this simply masks under lying problems as they struggle to
re-establish normal routines and regain control of their lives.
During this stage they work hard to suppress their feelings because
dealing with them is so very painful. Later, the physical and emotional
symptoms of the acute stage may begin to resurface but will be
more difficult to bury than before, indicating a move towards the
third stage.
- Anxiety & sense of helplessness.
- Persistent fear and/or depression.
- Severe mood swings
- Vivid dreams, recurrent nightmares, insomnia.
- Physical ailments & appetite disturbances (e.g. nausea,
vomiting, compulsive eating).
- Sexual problems.
- Concerns for personal safety
|
- May try to deny or minimise the assault
- Reluctance to leave home or visit places connected with
the rape.
- Disruption of normal routines (eg missing work or working
much harder, changing travel routines, going out only at
certain times).
- Distrust of existing relationships with men and reluctance
to form new relationships
|
Top
3. Resolution
In the final stage the rape is no longer the driving
force in survivors’ lives. They begin to accept it as a painful
experience but know that they can choose to move on. They may experience
some recurrence of behaviours from the second stage but these should
decline in frequency and in intensity.
The time taken for individuals to achieve this stage vary considerably. Some
are able to move on by themselves whilst others will need continuous counselling
and support.
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