RTS describes symptoms of trauma including disruptions to normal physical, emotional, cognitive and interpersonal behavior. Rape trauma syndrome (or RTS) is related to post-traumatic stress disorder but is more specific to sexual assault. If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from trauma related to sexual abuse or assault, both the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs offer further guidance on helping and supporting survivors.Confidential RSVP counselors available 24/7Įmail or call 31 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)Ģ4/7 emergency via Provident WashU (31), WUPD (31) or SARAH peer counseling during the academic year (31) Once that is established, accept your role in assisting the victim. Knowing how to recognize the signs of sexual abuse or assault is only the first step. If you notice any combination of the above warning signs in someone you know, be responsible in your efforts to address the situation. It could also manifest itself in the opposite way with the survivor displaying an overeagerness to form close, personal attachments to others. It might be a noticeable and sudden shift by the individual to distance themselves from friends, an inability to build intimate partnerships or an unfounded general lack of trust. Noticeable injuries such as cutting or burning are the most obvious manifestations of self-harm, but substance abuse, a change in eating habits and acting out sexually may also be warning signs.Ī chronically disruptive or sudden change in relationships, romantic or platonic, may be a sign of past or present sexual trauma. This can take many forms, but self-harm it is a very clear indication that something is wrong. If anger is left to fester, it can stall the recovery process by further isolating a survivor of sexual trauma from his or her peers. If you notice an increased inclination toward anger in the absence of an obvious cause, there may be something else going on beneath the surface. Like depression, anxiety can lead to debilitatingly poor concentration, increased stress and other mental health issues.Īnger is not an uncommon emotion for any individual, but irrational or persistent anger could be a reaction to past or ongoing trauma. If you begin to notice any classic signs of anxiety like agoraphobia, a seemingly irrational fear of specific places or people or the onset of panic attacks, that person may be coping with the aftermath of an assault. In sexual abuse survivors, however, anxiety is often about a fear that another attack is imminent. There are a myriad of reasons for anxiety and the root cause can be difficult to identify. In the case of sexual trauma, the condition is often triggered by a loss of bodily autonomy, which can lead to a chronic lack of self-worth. Depression can also manifest itself in a loss of concentration or interest in activities that the individual once enjoyed. While you may not be qualified to formally diagnose depression, symptoms such as long periods of hopelessness or sadness offer an indication that professional intervention is needed. Recognizing these top 5 signs of sexual abuse or assault could save the life of someone you know: Here is a guide to common warning signs that sexual trauma may have occurred, and how to offer help to victims. In fact, two out of three rapes go unreported, according to the Department of Justice. Many survivors of sexual abuse or assault may not seek help on their own. Social Work and Public Safety Collaborative.
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