Many people who are survivors of rape and other sexual abuse have taken, and may still take, a long time healing themselves and dealing with the issues resulting from this type of abuse.

After rape, sexual abuse or attempted rape, a person who has been victimised often experiences what psychiatrists call Rape Trauma Syndrome. They outline three phases and their effects as follows:

Acute phase

This phase occurs immediately after the assault and usually lasts a few days to several weeks. In this phase individuals can have many reactions but they typically fall into three categories of reactions:

    • Expressed − This is when the survivor is openly emotional. He or she may appear agitated or hysterical; he or she may suffer from crying spells or anxiety attacks.
    • Controlled − This is when the survivor appears to be without emotion and acts as if “nothing happened” and “everything is fine”. This appearance of calm may be due to shock.
    • Shocked disbelief − This is when the survivor reacts with a strong sense of disorientation. He or she may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or doing everyday tasks. He or she may also have poor recall of the assault.

Outward adjustment phase

During this phase the individual resumes what appears to be his or her “normal” life but inside is suffering from considerable turmoil.

There are many symptoms or behaviours that appear during this phase including: Continuing anxiety, severe mood swings, a sense of helplessness, persistent fears or phobias, depression, rage, difficulty sleeping (nightmares, insomnia, etc), eating difficulties (nausea, vomiting, compulsive eating, etc), denial, withdrawal from friends, family, activities, reluctance to leave the house and/or go places that remind the individual of the assault, sexual problems, difficulty concentrating and/or flashbacks.

Resolution phase

During this phase the assault is no longer the central focus of the individual’s life. While he or she may recognise that he or she will never forget the assault; the pain and negative outcomes lessen over time. Often the individual will begin to accept the rape as part of his or her life and chooses to move on.

There are many support groups for survivors to help you get through these phases and to a resolution in time, and you will most likely find your own personal support circle invaluable. In time, try to work towards speaking up and speaking out − do not let abuse silence you. It’s not your fault that you were raped, but whether you do what you can to heal from it and work through it is a choice you get to make.

Support available

Although sexual assault and rape is a very traumatic and hurtful experience that you have to work through, please remember that LifeAssist is here to support you. Contact us at any time of night or day for confidential emotional and practical support.