What Is Rape Trauma Syndrome?

Rape trauma syndrome (RTS) is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is the specific version of PTSD that occurs after sexual assault. RTS is most commonly associated with rape, but other forms of sexual assault, such as attempted rape, can also lead to RTS.

While it is considered more of an emotional and psychological condition than it is a physical one, Rape trauma is regarded as a syndrome because there are standard and consistent behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that occur consistently in victims of sexual assault.

The term rape trauma syndrome was coined by nurse Anna Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom in 1974.

Stages of Rape Trauma Syndrome

RTS is generally broken down into three stages based on the physical occurrence of the sexual assault:

1. Acute
2. Outward Adjustment
3. Resolution or Integration

Acute

The acute stage of RTS occurs in the moments, days, and weeks after sexual assault. The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network says that victims fall into one of three categories during this stage:

• Expressed: The victim is outwardly upset and emotional
• Controlled: Rather than outwardly upset, they are in shock and behaving as if everything is OK
• Shocked Disbelief: The victim is disoriented and may have a hard time recollecting their attack

Outward Adjustment

After the initial, or acute phase, the next linear stage of rape trauma syndrome is the Outward Adjustment stage. During this stage, which can last anywhere from weeks to months, or even longer, the sexual assault victim does not appear to be as traumatized and shaken as they were during the acute phase that immediately followed the assault.

Even though a person may appear to be OK and moving on with life, this second phase of RTS makes clear that, quite often, that appearance is not true.

Regardless of the coping technique, people moving through this phase are often still incredibly traumatized.

Resolution or Integration

The third and final stage of rape trauma syndrome is when the victim has come to terms with the fact that the sexual assault occurred and does their best to move on from it.

They may never forgive their assailant or feel entirely comfortable sexually again, but they make a concerted effort to move forward with their life regardless. Unfortunately, this phase is indefinite, and some people may experience a relapse into one of the two previous stages.

Symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome

There is no single human response to any occurrence, but rape trauma syndrome clarifies that there are common patterns. For example, in the case of sexual assault, there are a set of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that occur in the days, weeks, and months following the traumatic event.

These are the most known exhibited symptoms of rape trauma syndrome:

• Anxiety
• Shock, including disorientation
• Crying
• Mood swings
• Feelings of helplessness
• Withdrawal
• Rationalization or denying of the event
• Sexual dysfunction
• Flashbacks and nightmares
• Trouble concentrating
• Anger or rage
• Shame or self-blame
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or ideation
• Phobias
  

According to the Association for Marriage and Family Counseling, rape trauma creates emotional injuries and grief that can affect a person's ability to function. People may also experience a fear of being touched and difficulties with intimacy. Problems with chronic pelvic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic pain can also occur.

What Causes Rape Trauma Syndrome?

Rape trauma syndrome is a specific form of PTSD, with a particular set of behaviors and psychological impacts caused by sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault might experience RTS even if they were assaulted in a way different from the exact definition of rape, which, by law, must involve penetration.

For example, under the umbrella of sexual assault, RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) considers the following actions to be sexual assault, and you may experience RTS after these events:

• Attempted rape
• Forced sexual contact
• Forced sex acts

How Do You Know If You Have Rape Trauma Syndrome?

If you are the victim of sexual assault, and especially if you are the victim of rape, it is highly likely that you will experience rape trauma syndrome. If you were sexually assaulted in the past, you may have experienced RTS but were unaware that what you were experiencing had a name.

The set of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings called rape trauma syndrome is the most frequent and expected response to rape, but if you reacted differently than any of the above list of symptoms, that doesn't mean you didn't move through RTS.

Researchers also note that it is important for victims, health professionals, and loved ones to understand that rape trauma syndrome is not an abnormal response. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal, traumatic experience. 

Treatment for Rape Trauma Syndrome

The trauma of rape and sexual assault can seem never-ending. Many victims feel that their lives are forever changed from it happening.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take if you are experiencing rape trauma syndrome. Though no action can erase the event from your mind, seeking help can assist you in moving on from the assault and living a full, happy life again.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

There is no need to experience this alone and no benefit to doing so, either. Tell someone in your world what happened, and let them help you find a professional crisis counselor.

Join a Support Group

Even if you know that you aren't alone in going through this, joining a support group can enable you to feel and understand that on a deeper level. Support groups for sexual assault survivors exist in most major cities and online.

Seek a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Any form of therapy can help us move on from difficult times, but in this situation, you will be best suited for treatment if you find a trauma therapist who knows how to work with victims of assault. There are numerous subtypes of this therapy category, and you may need to experiment to find the best fit for you.

Effective treatments may include cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

How to Support Someone With Rape Trauma Syndrome

If a friend, loved one, or partner is experiencing rape trauma syndrome, there are things that you can do to help support them. Steps you can take include:

• Listen and validate their emotions: Allow your loved one to talk to you about their experiences at their own time and pace. Focus on being supportive and attentive as you validate what they are saying and feeling.
• Don't pressure them: You might feel that there are certain things your loved one should do, but be careful not to pressure them into taking steps they are not ready for. Instead, let them know they have your support no matter what they decide.
• Don't blame or shame: It's common for people to try to look for "reasons" why something terrible happens. However, doing so often places the blame for an assault on the victim. Don't victim blame, and ensure your loved one knows you believe and support them.

Having the support of loved ones is pivotal when it comes to coping with trauma. Evidence suggests that people who lack such support experience worse treatment and recovery outcomes.

Keep in Mind

Rape trauma syndrome may be an overwhelming experience, and it can feel indefinite when you are in the first stages of it. By taking one of the suggested treatment steps, you can move along on the path to healing. Give yourself time, make sure you are caring for yourself, and lean on your social support system.