Sunday, May 27, 2012

Rape

Table of Contents

If there is a chance that the rapist is HIV-infected, the health care providers should explain and offer postexposure prophylaxis (PEP, a way to reduce the odds of infection immediately using antiretroviral medications).

Ongoing emotional support and therapy are key. Support groups, one-on-one talk therapy, or talk therapy groups can help a rape survivor work through his or her feelings and gain emotional strength. Victims often learn that talking about their memories and emotional pain is the best way to rebuild their lives.

Referral to a local rape crisis center may be helpful. These centers offer peer support and advice to help in recovery from the trauma.

See also:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Rape prevention

OUTLOOK

Victims of rape struggle through a number of symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dramatic life change (change of job, friends, residence)
  • Memories (flashbacks) of the event
  • Numbing of emotions
  • Recurrent nightmares
  • Social withdrawal

Many rape victims have difficulty in re-establishing relationships with spouses or partners or, if single, in re-entering the "dating scene."

Rape may worsen any pre-existing psychiatric disorders. Suicidal behaviors, depression, and substance abuse may develop or become more prominent.

However, working through these problems using therapy and support groups, rather than avoiding them, has been shown to be helpful in treating these symptoms and avoiding more chronic emotional problems.

RESOURCES:


Review Date: 03/30/2010
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)