WHAT IS THE ACUTE PHASE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT TRAUMA SYNDROME?

PPC PRIVATE PSYCHOTHERAPY CLINIC -SENIOR ACCREDITED PSYCHOTHERAPIST-Dr.Fawzy Masaoud-LONDON, ENGLAND

Assault is traumatic, not only for the person assaulted, but for her or
his family and friends as well. The following are common initial reactions to
learning of the sexual assault:

Every victim responds to trauma in her or his unique way. The following
are things which assault victims have reported experiencing after sexual
assault. Sexual assault typically affects victims on four levels – physical,
emotional, cognitive, and social.

Physical reactions:

  • 1-Soreness/physical
    injuries
  • 2- Sleep disturbance
  • 3- Appetite
    disturbance/eating disorder
  • 4- Muscular tension
  • 6- Nightmares
  • 7- Somatic illness
    (headache, back pain, diarrhoea, ulcer, etc.).

Emotional reactions:

  • 1- Fearo 2- Shock o3-Numbness o 4- Anxiety o 5- Depression o 6- Shame/humiliation o 7- Powerlessness o 8- Guilt o 9- Anger
  • 10- Irritability
  • 11- Mood swings
  • 12- Sadness
  • 13- Feeling vulnerable o decreased self-esteem.

Cognitive (Thought):

  • 1- What will people
    think?
  • 2- Will they believe
    me?
  • 3-Will…

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