Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
Rape Trauma ResponseAlso known as Rape Trauma Syndrome
“The essential element of rape is the physical, psychological, and
moral violation of a person. Violation is, in fact, a synonym for rape. The purpose of the rapist is
to terrorize, dominate, and humiliate his victim, to render her utterly helpless. Thus rape, by it’s nature, is intentionally designed
to produce psychological trauma.” Herman, Judith, 1997. Trauma and Recovery. New York: Basic.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder____________________RTS was incorporated by the American
Psychological Association as a form of PTSD in 1980
Set of symptoms that occur in the aftermath of a trauma
Follow-up studies find that rape survivors have high levels of persistent post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to victims of other crimes.1
1. A.W. Burgess and L.L. Holmstrom, 1974. Rape Trauma Syndrome. American Journal of Psychiatry : 981-86
Identified by Ann Wolbert Burgess & Lynda Lytle Holmstrom (1974)____________________ RTS is a cluster of emotional responses to
the extreme stress experienced by the survivor during the sexual assault
Symptoms occur as a response to the profound fear that survivors experience during the assault
Every survivor you encounter will have at least some symptoms of RTS
Pre-Assault Discomfort ____________________ Intuition
- Acquaintance assaults - may feel discomfort due to sudden behavioral changes in offender
- Stranger assaults - may sense they are being watched or followed
Guilt or Self Blame- Victim blaming statements- Survivors and significant others need
to know that the assault is NEVER the victim’s fault and only the offender could have prevented the assault
During the Assault ____________________ Feels that assault is a life
threatening event
Experience intense physical and emotional reactions
Dissociation – dreamlike state/mentally detach from what is happening
Frozen Fright – creates paralysis of the victim
Hyper-vigilant of their surroundings
Focus on sensory details as a form of detachment (scents, sounds, colors, etc.)
Surrender = Survival (submission)
After the Assault ____________________RTS occurs in two main phases:
The Acute (Initial) Phase- usually lasts anywhere from
immediately after the assault to a few weeks after the assault
The Reorganization Phase- usually lasts anywhere from a few
weeks to several years after the assault * Each phase is characterized by particular emotional and physical
concerns that most survivors experience
Acute Crisis Reaction ____________________
* Victim may also exhibit characteristics of both styles
(IMMEDIATELY AFTER – FEW WEEKS AFTER THE ASSAULT)
Responses fall into one of two main styles:1. Expressed
Victim may be agitated and restless, talk a lot, cry, swear, shout, laugh
2. Controlled Most of the victim’s energy is directed
toward maintaining composure Victim may sit calmly, respond to questions
in a detached, logical way, and downplay fear, sadness, anger, and anxiety
Physical Symptoms ____________________ General soreness of entire body
Pain in specific areas where the assault occurred
(actual physical trauma or a psychological trauma)
Nausea and headaches
Disruption in eating or sleeping patterns
- Inability to eat or sleep- Excessive overeating or sleeping- Difficulty concentrating- Nightmares and flashbacks
Emotional Symptoms____________________ Fear, guilt, embarrassment, self-blame,
humiliation, vengeance, anxiety, etc.
Emotions may shift to elation or relief
Due to the wide range of emotional responses, do not judge the legitimacy of the assault based on the victim’s reactions
Expect confusion and lack of logic in survivor’s account due to nature of trauma and inability to concentrate while in crisis
Survivor Needs____________________Important for survivors to gain sense of empowerment after loss of power and control during assault:
Information regarding medical and legal options
Normalize feelings - feelings they are experiencing are not abnormal or inappropriate
Ensure safety
Recovery is possible and these feelings will not persist indefinitely
Not their fault
Reorganization/Outward Adjustment Phase____________________(FEW WEEKS – SEVERAL YEARS AFTER ASSAULT)
Often the end of acute phase will overlap with beginning of reorganization phase
Necessary for healing as it may allow the victim a mental “time-out” from the experience
Victim begins to reorganize themselves and attempt to adjust to their new life as a survivor
Reorganization Phase (cont’d)____________________
Some survivors may have difficulty returning to pre-assault social patterns – distrust toward others, increased suspicion or apprehension of men, short temper, sudden crying bouts or emotional outbursts
Minimize impact of assault or attempt to rationalize reasons for the rape
Decrease in severity and recurrence of emotional symptoms
Psychological Symptoms____________________
Denial – may be detrimental to recovery for periods longer than a few days
Depression, guilt, loss of self-esteem, negative body image, etc.
Phobic reactions to stimuli that remind survivor of assault or perpetrator
Physical Symptoms____________________ Genital injuries/Gynecological problems
Pregnancy
STIs
Long term internal and/or external injuries (broken bones, burns, cuts, etc.)
Effects on overall physical health as a result of emotional issues and depression (backaches, migraines, etc.)
Recurrence of chronic health problems
Social/Lifestyle Adjustments ____________________ May avoid discussing the assault and resist
contacts from persons or institutions related to the assault
Desire to return to “normal” life
Changes made to increase sense of safety – new telephone number, residence, job, schools, social groups, etc.
May lose interest in people or activities they previously enjoyed
May change appearance because they believe this may reduce future vulnerability – gain/lose weight, dress differently, change hair, etc.
Social/Lifestyle Adjustments (Cont’d)____________________Changes in sexual attitudes and practices:
May take time to separate assault from consensual sex
General indifference towards sex
Physical pain or emotional detachment during sex
Difficulty relaxing during sex
Some survivors may avoid sex because it reminds them of the assault while others may become more promiscuous to try and prove they have recovered from the assault
Social/Lifestyle Adjustments (Cont’d)____________________ About half of all survivors pre-assault
sexual relationships fail within a year of the assault
May develop or relapse into prior negative behaviors in an attempt to forget about the assault – substance and alcohol abuse, self-injury, eating disorders, abusive relationships, etc.
A survivor’s social patterns after the assault depend more on the survivor’s personality and less on the actual conditions of the assault
Survivor Needs____________________
Allow them to make their own decisions about healing and recovery
Have resources available based on specific needs
Support of significant others and institutions
Reassurance that the assault was not their fault
Resolution____________________
Recurrence of original acute crisis symptoms- Fear, nightmares, somatic complaints,
disruption of social and sexual behavior
Behavior may appear to be a regression or “breakdown”
May be triggered by events (anniversary, legal proceedings)
Victim able to express full range of emotions about assault
Develops effective ways of coping with rape trauma and begins long term healing
(ONE - TWO YEARS AFTER ASSAULT)
Integration____________________
May occur concurrently with resolution phase
Acceptance and understanding of the assault relative to future life
Integration of assault into their life as a new person with a new worldview
Survivor attempts to resume relationships, work and regain a personal sense of safety and well-being
(TWO YEARS OR LONGER)
Other Considerations____________________ These are all approximate time periods
Stages are not linear—survivors may progress or digress through one or more
Not all survivors are alike
Absence of any or all symptoms does not invalidate assault
Circumstances of assault do not determine severity of response (i.e. stranger vs. acquaintance assault)