From time to time, we hear news about rape, abuse, and molestation. Rape does not only damage the physical aspects of a person but also brings lasting after-effects such as traumatic memories and emotional scars. Thus, it can cause mental and emotional havoc to a person.
Rape trauma syndrome is a kind of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that’s manifested among individuals who experienced being molested or raped. Though they have survived the event and seemed to be coping well, they might still be dealing with the aftereffects of rape especially if it has been severely traumatic to them.
Symptoms
People with rape trauma syndrome may experience fear, denial, selective memory, inability to remember the traumatic encounter or pretend it never happened. Being reminded of the person who exploited them may bring feelings of disgust, terror, hate, or anxiety to them. They may also avoid or fear being touched and can be sensitive and agitated when someone is showing them affection. They might have flashbacks and be emotional whenever they remember the attack and what happened to them during that occasion.
Rape trauma syndrome sufferers could be distant and have trust issues. They could develop a lack of trust not just with strangers but even with their family members and partners as well. They may also feel dirty and ashamed, hence could be depressed and silent about their experience and worries.
The symptoms of rape trauma syndrome could be triggered at any moment. This usually emerges whenever the person is exposed to stimuli that remind them of being raped or molested.
If you’ve seen any signs of these in a person advise them to consult a helping professional that can suitably help them.
References:
- Rape Trauma Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved on 5/4/2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rape-trauma-syndrome
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Rape Survivors (2020) American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved on 5/4/2024 from https://www.aaets.org/traumatic-stress-library/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-in-rape-survivors
Ciele 