Rape Trauma Syndrome

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, nearly one third of all rape victims develop rape-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in their lifetime.

It's been said that the only difference between Rape Trauma Syndrome and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is that Rape Trauma Syndrome isn't in the DSM-IV (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Even a cursory look at the symptoms of each will confirm the congruent nature of the two. Symptoms such as flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, withdrawal, and sleep disturbances can be found in both. While Rape Trauma Syndrome is not officially a mental disorder, it certainly does bear close resemblance to PTSD and in some cases it is believed to be a type of PTSD. Like sufferers of PTSD, sexual assault survivors may undergo therapy and in some cases seek out psychiatric counseling.

In understanding the effects of sexual assault, it is important to fully recognize and not minimize the aftershocks felt by the survivor.

Rape Trauma Syndrome was first identified in 1974 by psychiatrist Ann Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom. It is generally comprised of two phases: the acute phase and the reorganization phase. In some definitions, the reorganization phase is further broken down into the outward adjustment phase and the resolution phase.

While in the acute phase, the survivor may utilize either the expressed style or the controlled style of coping (or even both). Put simply, the expressed style is characterized by displayed emotions while the controlled style is characterized by contained emotions. This first phase can last several weeks.

During the reorganization phase (and adjustment/resolution phases), the survivor begins the coping and healing process that is often fraught with setbacks and painful symptoms including depression, denial, paranoia, rage, mood swings, feelings of helplessness, flashbacks, as well as physical difficulties (disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, etc). The reorganization phase can last up to several months or more. Clearly, the healing process is based on the individual and therefore, does not have a set time frame.

It is essential to be aware of the reality of sexual assault and its real-life consequences. A more in-depth look at Rape Trauma Syndrome can be found at Rape Victim Advocates and also at RAINN.