PHASE TWO - REPRESSION OR OUTWARD ADJUSTMENT STAGE Their feelings are validated as being a normal reaction for them. Their fears, anger and depression are discussed. Similar reactions of other survivors are discussed with them, and they are encouraged to seek counseling. A victim is encouraged to consider how they will feel in a few weeks or months. A rape crisis center can help them notify family and accompany them to the police and the hospital emergency room for medical consultation and an exam. A victim can be helped to consider alternative courses of action and their possible outcomes. This is why a rape crisis center plays such an important role during Phase One. They must be given informative support as well as support counseling to turn their non-specific anxiety into helping them concentrate on resolving problems created by the rape (i.e., whether or not to report, whether or not to press charges, whether or not to tell family or friends). If a victim seeks support, this phase usually resolves within a few weeks. There is usually a marked decrease in the victim's anxiety after discussing the incident with someone. This is why talking to someone is so important - so they can help clarify feelings, help make decisions on reporting the rape and giving options for medical and legal assistance. How soon and to whom a victim tells about the rape provides an early clue about their own feelings of what This may begin when victims first realizes they must deal with the consequences of the rape, pressing charges, friends' attitudes, etc. They may appear very stable and in control only to break down suddenly. A victim may be agitated, incoherent or in a highly volatile state. In the first moments, hours and days immediately following the rape, the acute reaction may be in the form of shock, disbelief and dismay. This first phase has been described as an acute reaction.
#Rape trauma syndrome how to
The rape victim may have general feelings of helplessness, state of confusion and inability to think clearly about how to evaluate reality. If the rape crisis is not solved, major disorganization may ensue. At this point, the problem may be: (a) solved (b) redefined in order to achieve needed satisfaction or (c) avoided through needed resignation and relinquishment of goals. There is an increase in the level of tension and an increase in the feelings of being upset. This stage is characterized by a rise in tension in response to stress. It is important that they are encouraged to express their emotions openly and begin to put an end to the nightmare. A victim may experience insomnia, nightmares and various physical symptoms. There are often daily memories of the rape. Phase Three, the Post-Traumatic or Resolution Stage, moderate to severe depression and the need to openly talk will come about. It is during stage this that a victim be reminded that when they need to talk and deal with their fears and feelings, that they need to contact a rape crisis center counselor and that Phase Three will probably follow. Phase Two, the Repression or Outward Adjustment Stage, denial, suppression and rationalization replace shock and dismay.
They should receive thorough medical exam, medical and legal counseling should be given to them, and they should be told the likely cycle of future phases and their feelings. Someone, the reaction and support they receive from that person and their decision to tell family will determine them dealing with this stage normally. Phase One, the Acute or Impact Stage, is when a victim exhibits signs of acute distress.
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