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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction information copyright | What is rape trauma syndrome? Rape Trauma Syndrome is when sexual intercourse is against the victim’s will and the victim has not emotionally recovered. The trauma has remained. It is listed among the symptoms of PTSD because of the number of veterans who have experienced sexual assault. When this has occurred the experience may or may not have been reported. The veteran may or may not have received medical or psychiatric treatment. Rape usually includes use of force, threat or intimidation, with vaginal or anal penetration and lack of consent of the victim, who is mal or female. Molestation may result in a form of this syndrome. Recovery from rape is a painful process. Without support and psychotherapy, individual or group, it is possible the symptoms will worsen and may include mood instability, flashbacks and memories of the event. It may be very difficult to learn to trust anyone after such an event as rape. You may have very few close relationships and may unknowingly sabotage the relationships you manage to form. You develop a fear of intimacy, and sexual experiences take on a frightening dimension, or you may become promiscuous. You are confused and frustrated. Sleep is beyond your reach, and substance abuse, anger management or poor judgments become daily behaviors. Self-esteem is often the preventable outcome of Rape Trauma Syndrome.
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What can I do cope with Rape Trauma Syndrome? To say it is difficult to cope with rape is a vast understatement. It is vital to seek professional help as soon as possible after the assault. It that is now, as you are reading this booklet, then call or email a resource in the back. Do not delay. Your quality of life will begin to change when you make that call. It will take time, and it will not always be easy, but you will begin to see changes as you rediscover yourself and learn to take back your life. You will learn to believe the rape was not your fault. You will learn to become aware of coping skills to help you begin to sleep better, avoid substance use, or express feelings of anger and frustration in a safe manner. It will help you to talk about the feelings of anxiety, resentment, sadness, guilt, depression or rage with a counselor and perhaps, in time, in a group with others who understand. You can learn to love and trust yourself again. You will like that feeling and be very glad you did the work to get to that point of healing.
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