In addition, they may develop something known as "all or nothing" thinking, they are irreparably damaged. It's important for them to seek help to resolve issues, such as lifestyle changes that might not be in their best interest, nightmares, phobias, fears and lingering physical issues. The Reorganization Phase comes next as the victim starts to resolve and integrate the sexual assault into their life.Physical symptoms may include disturbances in eating and sleeping, infections, stomachaches, headaches, fatigue and sleeplessness, or soreness and bruising following the assault. They may feel shock, confusion and denial, in which they don't fully acknowledge what's happened, or downplay the experience.The victim may feel as if they can't erase the memory of the assault, have nightmares, or feel edgy all the time. The Acute phase begins during the attack and lasts several days to several weeks, and while the symptoms experienced during this phase are to be expected, it doesn't make them any less frightening and difficult.
There are several phases of trauma based on the time frame since the assault: One of the myths of rape is that after a certain period of time, the victim must be "over it." This is rarely the case, but if a long time has passed since the assault, one may not be able to connect current issues with the past trauma suffered. The Phases of Recovering from Rape Trauma We know that a sexual assault takes place approximately every two minutes however, these numbers may be low because these offences are rarely reported. Sexual assault is defined as any sort of sexual activity in which a person is involved against their will. There are some circumstances in which a person is not able to give consent: when forced to engage in the activity when harm is threatened (either personally or to another) if the person is drugged, drunk or unconscious if they are a minor are developmentally disabled or undergoing a medical procedure. Studies show that 76% of sexual assaults committed are by a current or former spouse, lover, friend, or date. While stranger rape is what most people fear, it isn't the most prevalent type of sexual assault. We often think of a sex offender as a faceless monster, but this just isn't the case. Your body is your own, and no one has permission to do anything against your wishes. No matter what was said or what clothing was worn, whether there was alcohol involved, or if the perpetrator was not a stranger. Sexual assault is never the victim's fault-ever.
Willing victim rape how to#
In learning the facts about rape and how to get help, the symptoms that are experienced, while confusing, are to be expected given the trauma of such an attack. Whether it was 10 days ago or 10 years ago, emotions and thoughts may seem overwhelming following a sexual assault.