http://rapecrisis.org.za/infor...ape-trauma-syndrome/

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME

Physical symptoms are those things which manifest in or upon the survivor’s body that are evident to her and under physical examination by a nurse or doctor. Some of these are only present immediately after the rape while others only appear at a later stage.

• Immediately after a rape, survivors often experience shock. They are likely to feel cold, faint, become mentally confused (disorientated), tremble, feel nauseous and sometimes vomit.
• Pregnancy.
• Gynaecological problems. Irregular, heavier and/or painful periods. Vaginal discharges, bladder infections. Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Bleeding and/or infections from tears or cuts in the vagina or rectum.
• A soreness of the body. There may also be bruising, grazes, cuts or other injuries.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Throat irritations and/or soreness due to forced oral sex.
• Tension headaches.
• Pain in the lower back and/or in the stomach.
• Sleep disturbances. This may be difficulty in sleeping or feeling exhausted and needing to sleep more than usual.
• Eating disturbances. This may be not eating or eating less or needing to eat more than usual.

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME

Behavioural symptoms are those things the survivor does, expresses or feels that are generally visible to others. This includes observable reactions, patterns of behaviour, lifestyle changes and changes in relationships.

• Crying more than usual.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Being restless, agitated and unable to relax or feeling listless and unmotivated.
• Not wanting to socialise or see anybody or socialising more than usual, so as to fill up every minute of the day.
• Not wanting to be alone.
• Stuttering or stammering.
• Avoiding anything that reminds the survivor of the rape.
• Being more easily frightened or startled than usual.
• Being very alert and watchful.
• Becoming easily upset by small things.
• Relationship problems, with family, friends, lovers and spouses. Irritability, withdrawal and dependence are factors which effect this.
• Fear of sex, loss of interest in sex or loss of sexual pleasure.
• Changes in lifestyle such as moving house, changing jobs, not functioning at work or at school or changes to her appearance.
• Drop in school, occupational or work performance.
• Increased substance abuse.
• Increased washing or bathing.
• Behaving as if the rape didn’t occur, trying to live life as it was before the rape, this is called denial.
• Suicide attempts and other self-destructive behaviour such as substance abuse or self mutilation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME

Psychological symptoms are much less visible and can in fact be completely hidden to others so survivors need to offer this information or be carefully and sensitively questioned in order to elicit them. They generally refer to inner thoughts, ideas and emotions.

• Increased fear and anxiety.
• Self-blame and guilt.
• Helplessness, no longer feeling in control of her life.
• Humiliation and shame.
• Lowering of her self esteem
• Feeling dirty or contaminated by the rape
• Anger
• Feeling alone and that no one understands.
• Losing hope in the future.
• Emotional numbness.
• Confusion
• Loss of memory.
• Constantly thinking about the rape.
• Having flashbacks to the rape, feeling like it is happening again.
• Nightmares
• Depression.
• Becoming suicidal.