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RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME

Rape Trauma Syndrome. First described by Burgess and Holstrolm (1979).A form of post traumatic stress.Used in USA as evidence that rape has taken place.RTS is said to have four stages, which may include physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms.Symptoms vary and may be dependant on a persons coping strategies and support systems.It is understood that the sooner the victim accesses professional support the less likely they are to develop the long term symptoms of RTS. .

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RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME

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    1. RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME Bernie Ryan Manager/Counsellor St. Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre

    3. Acute Phase (Stage 1) Immediate impact response. Characterised by A disorganisation to lifestyle. Can last from one to six weeks. Range of symptoms. May effect the way in which a victim responds. May account for unexpected response. Could be in this phase, first contact with authority figure.

    4. Immediate Response. Controlled subdued feelings masked or hidden. Expressed restless, tense crying sobbing, signs of shock Mixed - Combination of the two, may show conflicting reactions, one minute laughing, the next crying / sobbing, at times in control, at others confused.

    5. Psychological Response. Loss of control / powerlessness. Fear. Shame. Guilt. It was my fault, I could have done something Denial. Feelings of being dirty / violated. Physical repulsion. Anger. Frustration. Numbness.

    6. Physical Symptoms. Sleeping difficulties and nightmares. Eating disturbances, bingeing / anorexia. Symptoms specific to focus of assault. General soreness, aches, pains. Possible physical injury ( not necessarily) May present at GP, Accident and Emergency, Family Planning clinic, etc with a range of symptoms and not disclose rape or sexual assault.

    7. Behavioural Reactions. Unable to go out alone and/ or with others. Change in personal hygiene routine. Carrying on as normal automatic pilot. Changes in employment / home, friends. Relationship / marital difficulties. Reliance on medication. Avoidance of the scene of crime.

    8. out of character Open to suggestibility offer back control. Memory blocking. May experience intrusive thoughts and images. Need to remember versus a need to forget.

    9. Intermediate Phase (Stage 2) Can last from six weeks to six months or more, possibly a lifetime. Readjustment to normal life. Continued changes to lifestyle. Persistent symptoms, nausea, headaches. Gynaecological symptoms. Phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, agoraphobia, claustrophobia.

    10. Sexual / relationship difficulties. Fear of sex, fear of men , global fears. Fears specific to the rape situation. Mood swings. Anger. Depression. Spontaneous flashbacks. Re experiencing triggered by sights, sounds, smells. Impulsive behaviour.

    11. Reorganisation Phase (Stage 3) What can be happening now are any of the symptoms previously mentioned and probably a few patterns, which have become well established including phobias and panic attacks. The victim may appear unscathed, perhaps until an event triggers the symptoms, TV programme or the anniversary of the event.

    12. Depression. Loss of employment. Relationship difficulties. Possible pregnancy. Hyper vigilance to danger. Diminished capacity to enjoy life.

    13. Integration/ Resolution (Stage 4) Integration: Rape becomes another bad event in the victims life. Resolution: Victim resolves rape event and the effect it has had on their lives.

    14. REMEMBER There is no text book response, to this kind of event. It is inappropriate to judge the nature, severity or even the actuality of the event by the way in which the victim presents. There is no arbitrary length of time after which a victim should be expected to have recovered.

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