Most rape victims suffer from a variety of symptoms, having to manage the psychological and physical effects of sexual violence.
Steps
Step 1. Always remember and keep in mind that you are not alone.
Many other people in the world, both men and women, have been raped or sexually abused. You are not alone.
Step 2. Do some research on rape trauma syndrome
Researchers recognize that learning about the psychological and physical repercussions of sexual assault victims is a positive way to overcome the trauma and recover faster. You can find a lot of information by doing an internet search.
Step 3. If you are a victim, you should also seek the help of a professional psychologist
Sometimes, it can help facilitate the healing process.
Step 4. Look for a specialist who is experienced in issues of this type and who has already dealt with traumatic rape syndrome, to learn more about the effects and difficulties that this type of violence generates
You can contact your local ASL to get some names, or you can search on the internet if you find professionals in your area.
Step 5. See your doctor to check your symptoms
Alternatively, go to the nearest hospital or health district to meet other professionals specialized in this sector.
Step 6. You can also do a search at your city library
Or you can search through a specific search engine that is able to list the best resources on a particular topic. This type of targeted research should identify which resources, books, databases (such as medical journals) and online pages are best on the topic you are interested in.
Step 7. An assistance center for victims of sexual violence is established in each city, which also provides information on the effects of rape
Some centers may lend information material or have their own library within the premises. You can find the nearest assistance center by searching on the internet or by contacting your local ASL.
Advice
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The symptoms that the rape victim may experience are:
- Psychological: traumatic rape syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Stockholm syndrome (SI), eating disorders, nightmares, flashbacks.
- Physical: "implicit memory" (this is a theory according to which the body is able to store its own memory that you are not aware of; there is a very heated debate about it, and a simple online search will give you more details), headache, stomach pains, chronic pelvic pain, pre-menstrual syndrome, gastrointestinal upset, gynecological complications, migraines and other frequent headaches, back pain, facial pain, disability that prevents you from working. Possible pregnancy.
