Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality
When someone is the helpless victim of an extraordinarily distressful event such as war, an earthquake, or intense physical or sexual abuse, they may develop a psychological disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder. It is characteristically marked by recurrent, intrusive, and disturbing memories of the event, an exaggerated response, and a number of other behavioral changes that signify victims’ feelings that their world no longer feels safe.
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[edit] Rape Trauma Syndrome
Since 1980 the American Psychiatric Association has recognized rape trauma syndrome as an authentic post-traumatic stress disorder. Given the characteristics of rape—physical violation of the victim, the psychological shock, the sexual invasiveness, and society’s mixed messages about blame and shame, it is not surprising that many rape victims suffer consequent emotional trauma. The amount of time needed to resolve the trauma depends on the victim and her access to emotional support from professionals and loved ones.
The acute phase of rape trauma begins immediately after the rape and may continue for days or, often, several weeks. A victim may experience sleeplessness, nightmares, nervousness, and/or fear of strangers. She may try to blame herself, become depressed, or turn completely away from sex, even with a trusted partner. It is important during this time for the victim to talk about what has happened. It is equally important for family and friends to provide support and for any special man in the victim’s life to be understanding and patient about any sexual fears the victim may have. It is also critical that the victim seek professional help from a rape counselor or psychologist.
Before facing and resolving her trauma, the victim may go through what is called the outward adjustment stage. During this period she may outwardly resume her normal life and appear to be “over” the experience, but she is, in fact, suppressing her disturbing feelings. Once she begins to truly face what has happened to her, however, she may begin the final phase of her recovery. Then she can accept and resolve her rape, put it behind her, and go on with her life.
[edit] See also
[edit] Family Rape or Molestation
A woman raped by her husband or a child molested by a family member faces very special problems. The victim of family sexual violence may not be believed by other family members or the authorities and may be especially reluctant to talk about it. In the case of a child, the situation is especially problematic. A child completely dependent on an adult who touches him or her in inappropriate ways is often extremely fearful of revealing this terrible secret. In all cases it is important for victims who experience post-traumatic stress to get professional help—even if it is years after the event.
