Rape Trauma Syndrome Essays - 1705 Words

You can most commonly find dictionaries defining rape as a sexual act committed by force especially on a woman (American Heritage). Until a few years ago it was limited to penile penetration of the vagina. Penal Code two hundred sixty-one defines rape as an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the spouse of the perpetrator without the lawful consent (Roberson). Penal Code two hundred sixty-three goes on to say that the fundamental wrong at which the law of rape is aimed is . . . the violation of a womans will and sexuality (Roberson). All other sexual assaults are categorized under different names, yet the result is most often the same. To most Americans Rape has a tendency to be one of the cruelest†¦show more content†¦These are devastating losses. Thus, many survivors report that the offender irrevocably changed their lives. The offender steals a part of the victim that can never be returned. We can examine the impact of rape in various ways. One perspective takes into consideration the underlying meaning the assault has for the victim. The grave threats and incredible losses the victim suffers alters their life dramatically, sometimes forever. Another manifestation of the impact of rape is the anguish of the victims. The psychological and behavioral symptoms of distress are poignant symbols of the destructiveness of the offender’s acts. Yet another way to understand the impact of rape is to compare it with other forms of trauma. Rape is an extreme form of human cruelty that in some ways mirrors other overwhelming traumatic events. Rape Trauma Syndrome is the acute phase and long-term reorganization process that happens because of forcible rape or attempted forcible rape (American Journal). Researchers have discovered stages that the victim goes through while suffering the effects of victimization (Parad). The first impact of rape is a feeling of numbness; the victim is in a state of shock and disbelief and still may be in terror (American Journal). The victims appearance can be misleading, appearing jolted or astonished, sedate and stifled (Parad). The controlled behavior covers up the serious psychological wound they are suffering from (Parad). Expressions of disbelief are mostShow MoreRelatedEssay about Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault1504 Words   |  7 Pagesinterchangeably with the word rape. The decision on whether or not to use the term rape or sexual assault is made by a state’s jurisdiction. Sexual assault is more readily used in an attempt to be more gender neutral (National Victim Center). Sexual assault can be most easily described as forced or unconsentual sexual intercourse. The individual that is performing these acts on the victim may ei ther be a stranger or an acquaintance. In 1994, 64.2 percent of all rapes were committed by someone theRead MoreExamining Effectiveness Of Treatment Strategies Used With Survivors Of Rape1357 Words   |  6 PagesTreatment Strategies Used With Survivors of Rape Therapy for survivors of rape is often difficult to obtain. The lack of availability of counselors who specialize in specific trauma treatments, like prolonged exposure and cognitive-processing therapy, as well as lack of insurance and location, are hardships for treatment-seeking individuals. Therefore, it is important to pinpoint the most effective treatments for those who have suffered the trauma of rape. The purpose of this research is to outlineRead MoreRape, Being A Touchy Subject1348 Words   |  6 PagesRape, being a touchy subject for most, is definitely something that should be addressed and tackled. There is no and should never be any excuse for rape. â€Å"No† means â€Å"No†. Everyone is entitled to make that choice- it should never be made for them. 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This paper will evaluate rape, as well as the effects it has on women, the theory behind male dominance and patriarchyRead MoreMilitary Sexual Trauma ( Mst ) Essay1135 Words   |  5 PagesMilitary Sexual Trauma (MST) Throughout many wars that the United States of America had endured within the 238 years, recently America have another war to handle which is Military Sexual Trauma. Only recently the social media decided to take part of acknowledging that many veterans have mental health issues. However, they are mainly focusing on one problem which is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The society needs to learn that PTSD isn t the main source of conflict for active service membersRead MoreShould Women Carry Concealed Weapons On College Campuss1750 Words   |  7 Pagesto her college orientation, her college told her that there was no need to worry â€Å"because campus police are only a phone call away† ( Lindquist ) , but being safe is not the same as feeling safe, and one horrific evening opened her eyes. Lindquist’s rape changed her as she brought out a message for the women who get raped and nothing was done about it: â€Å"my right to self-defense should not be up for deba te† ( Lindquist ). For this reason, the Wayzata Legislative should pass a bill where women shouldRead MoreShould Abortion Be Legalized?1275 Words   |  6 Pagescircumstances like incidents, disabilities, and teenage pregnancy. Rape is an act sexual intercourse without the consent of the victim. When a woman gets raped, she experiences Rape Trauma Syndrome (a medical term given to the response that survivors of rape). If the incident caused the woman to get pregnant, there is a high possibility that she might want to get an abortion. Sam Sherwin writes â€Å"If the fetus is the result of rape or incest, then the psychological pain of carrying it may be unbearableRead MoreHuman Trafficking Is A Problem Within The U.s. Essay1617 Words   |  7 Pageslocal law enforcement officials. Raids as an anti-sex trafficking measure severely impact sex trafficked victims. Because of their complicated legal status and their language barriers, the arrest or fear of arrest creates stress and other emotional trauma for trafficking victims. Victims may also experience physical violence from law enforcement during raids. Trafficking victims are also exposed to different psychological stressors. They suffer social alienation in the host and home countries. StigmatizationRead MoreThe Effects Of Sexual Assault And Rape On The Mind, Body, And Spirit1393 Words   |  6 PagesThere are many short and long term effects of sexual assault and rape that affect the mind, body, and spirit. Many survivors experience one or more of these eff ects and they are not mutually exclusive. Many people who go through traumatic events may find thats it can take some time to re-adjust and cope for a period of time after the event. The residual mental, physical and spiritual effect of sexual assault and rape can permeate the daily lives of survivors,which makes it difficult to heal. ForRead MoreEssay on Sexual Abuse on Women1250 Words   |  5 PagesSexual abuse, also known as sexual assault, is any sort of sexual activity that one doesn’t agree to which includes, inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, sexual intercourse that one says no to, rape, attempted rape, as well as child molestation. Sexual abuse is usually verbal or visual. It can also be anything that forces a person to be in unwanted sexual contact. There are many examples of sexual abuse like voyeurism, exhibitionism, incest, and sexual harassment. Voyeurism