Rape Trauma Syndrome

The trauma that occurs during a rape may haunt a victim for a period of months or years.  The term “Rape Trauma Syndrome” is used to describe a number of symptoms experienced by victims of rape. 
Typically, victims move through three periods as they struggle to understand and come to terms with the act of violence that occurred.  Please note that the following are typical reactions of victims, but this is not an exclusive list and does not represent the reactions of all victims.
Acute Crisis  This phase occurs immediately after an attack has taken place and may last from a few hours to a few days.  Most victims are in a state of shock and will keep their feelings hidden and controlled.
Interim  This period lasts from a few days to a few weeks.  During the interim, the victim suffers from various feelings, such as fear, guilt, sense of vulnerability, loss of control over her/his life, embarrassment, anxiety, nightmares, concern for rapist (common if she/he knew the perpetrator), shame and anger.
Resolution  This period occurs when the victim feels ready to move on with her/his life.  The incident will be incorporated into her/his life, and depending on how she/he has handled the first two phases, the resolution period will either be constructive or destructive.