What causes rape trauma? Rape can be defined as engaging in a sexual activity  such as intercourse without the consent of the other person, Rape often occurs in the presence of force and violence; threat of force and to individuals who cannot emotionally ,cognitively  and intellectually give consent. Rape although a physical form of abuse it is often accompanied by emotional abuse. Although violent in nature ,Rape and rape culture is still largely prevalent in society. Leaving many survivors of such  violence with trauma, trauma which often present itself with psychological disorders such as addiction, post-traumatic  stress disorder, depression and eating disorders.

 Regardless of age , socio-economic standing, gender ,sexual orientation and race ,the impact of sexual violence(Rape) goes beyond the physical injuries. Often survivors are left feeling unsafe and scared  of the world around them. Flashbacks and upsetting memories can often leave the survivor in a state of alertness, where they are sensitive to stimuli. Survivors can  also experience very vivid nightmares related to the violence. Although survivors of rape may intellectually understand that they are not to blame for the rape ,they often struggle with feelings of guilt and shame associated with rape which are perpetuated by myths associated with the rape culture.

Myths surrounding rape trauma

Many myths maintain the rape culture  within society which further inflicts trauma on survivors, myths such there is a certain kind of people who Rape ,for example people from poor backgrounds or people from certain areas thus perpetuating the myth that powerful individuals, respected people in society do not rape which is entirely untrue. Also another layer of trauma is around the myth that if you did not fight your attacker as a victim then you must have enjoyed it, whereas often times in a situation a victim may freeze with the brain and body shutting down in shock. Myths such as people who are raped ask for it by how they dress and act and myths that you cannot be raped by your partner or someone you have previously had sexual relations  with.

However the trauma of surviving rape manifest itself , here are a few ways to help in  finding a new  normal  and helping in the journey of healing:

How to deal with Rape Trauma?

Find someone you trust to talk to, often time with the guilt and shame associated with rape the hardest part is to actually say that you have been raped. This vital step can help in getting support and opening a case of rape with law enforcements, find someone you trust to tell .It can be a family member , a friend , a member of the church , a health professional any one that you trust . The individuals can form part of your primary support base in these traumatic times.

Seek psychotherapy, psychotherapy is important for giving  survivors tools of dealing with trauma and any presenting symptoms. Often times individuals may think they can deal with the trauma themselves, however psychotherapy can only be to your benefit in the context of experiencing such trauma. Psychotherapy can help in  confronting feeling of powerlessness and lack of trust

Consider joining a support group, common  experience can bring people to do good. Support groups are helpful in  that people with the same experience as you may relate better to you, although  it may be  a traumatic experience .Support groups offer  the support of different individuals at different levels of healing which can be helpful for your healing.

If you of someone you know needs help with dealing with rape trauma, please contact us.