Rape trauma syndrome (RTS) is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is a reaction to being exposed to an event outside the range of normal human experience. It can be broken down into three stages: acute, outward adjustment, and complex-PTSD. Common symptoms of PTSD after a sexual assault include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance, insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, and headaches.
PTSD may develop after witnessing another person experience a traumatic event or after learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma. In some cases, the emotional impact of a rape can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms. About 20 of people will go on to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition with ongoing trauma-related symptoms.
As a friend or family member, it may not always be known that someone you love was sexually assaulted, so looking out for PTSD may be difficult. However, there are certain clear signs that can indicate PTSD. For example, volunteers may answer questions about whether they have been punished with a belt, hit hard enough to leave bruises, experienced unwanted sexual touching, or worse, how they were.
Recovering from sexual assault takes time and can be painful, but it can help regain control, rebuild self-worth, and learn. Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the person assaulted. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) provides information, help, and support for sexual assault survivors.
When someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, it can be difficult to know what to do. Some survivors go into shock after being assaulted, or experience feelings of fear and helplessness. PTSD is a reaction to being exposed to an event outside the range of normal human experience, sometimes referred to as post traumatic rape syndrome.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Assault Experienced as an Adult – PTSD | Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the person assaulted. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), a … | ptsd.va.gov |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Rape Survivors | PTSD is a reaction to being exposed to an event which is outside the range of normal human experience. Sometimes it is referred to as post traumatic rape … | aaets.org |
| Someone I Care About Has Been Sexually Assaulted | How Family and Friends Can Support a Sexual Assault Survivor When someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, it can be difficult to know what to … | ffr.cnic.navy.mil |
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