What are the effects on the Victim?

Every victim responds differently but most victims after a rape feel dirty and want to wash repeatedly; are afraid to go out; believe it’s their fault. Rape Trauma Syndrome is a condition that affects many rape victims. It includes many symptoms (physical, emotional, behavioural, cognitive) that arise as a result of a rape such as:

• Shock: this is generally the most immediate response and may include may include confusion, faintness, trembling, nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Sleeping problems: sleeping too much or sleeping too little
• Eating problems: eating too much or eating too little
• Health problems e.g. stomach aches
• Exaggerated startle responses: easily frightened or over- reaction to loud noise
• Constant replaying of rape and/or flashbacks: triggers may set it off e.g. sights, sounds or smells may remind person of attack Leaves victim feeling terrorized and tearful
• Loss of memory about rape. This can happen particular if the rape was very traumatic but memories may surface later through triggers. Victim must allow the experiencing of memories and feelings. In time she or he will recover
• Difficulties making decisions: even deciding what to wear or what to eat can be overwhelming. This leads to further frustration & depression
• “Revenge fantasies” against the perpetrator: victim is frightened of her thoughts and feels further shame for thinking awful things. She may begin to believe that she is a bad person who probably deserved the rape and experience guilt
• Dissociation: distancing themselves of the attack in order to protect themselves
• Behavioural Symptoms: constant crying, washing or bathing too much, neglecting herself or others, fear of being alone or with men or crowds
• Relationship problems: victim may withdraw from loved ones or become overly dependent and clingy
• Difficulty trusting others: depression leads to a feeling of hopelessness and personal failure
• Sexual problems: loss of interest in sex or promiscuity
• Eating disorders: victim feels ashamed, feels a sense of self-hatred, guilt and self-contempt for not having been strong enough to stop the rape. The eating disorder is a way of making herself unattractive
• Destructive behaviour: alcohol and/or drug abuse (also serves as a means to forget); self-mutilation
• Emotional Symptoms: numbness, self-blame, fear, shame, helplessness, feeling worthless, anger, self-hate, guilt, embarrasment, depression, moodiness, loss of interest in life, suicidal ideations

It is important to remember that experiencing symptoms are normal and it doesn't mean that the victim is insane or going mad. With support the symptoms will fade. RTS is often characterised by stages of shock and denial but within time she will be healed.

Communicating with the rape victim

• Ensure her safety
• Believe her
• Be aware of how you are reacting
• Educate yourself about rape
• Let her talk, listen to her and let her do so in her own time
• Keep it confidencial
• Don’t pretend it didn’t happen
• Don’t tell her what to do. The rape victim has lost her sense of control and power. She neds to be supported to make decisions on what to do
• Respect and support the choices she makes
• Don’t blame her – rape is never the victim’s fault