The shock phase

It sometimes takes a while before the victim is able to realise what she’s feeling and then describe what’s happened in more detail.

• Numbness, no contact with feelings
• Fear of where it happened
• Apathy, an inability to act and feel
• Sleep problems, nightmares
• Jumpiness when she hears a noise or sees a sudden movement
• Unstable feelings that fluctuate wildly, strong emotional outbursts
• Feelings of guilt, shame, isolation
• Panic and hysteria
• Physical tension
• Fear of being alone while at the same time not managing to be together with others
• Anger, acting out, irritation, frustration
• Physical problems, headaches, stomach pains
• Problems at school or college, reduced concentration and ability to take things in
• Restlessness
• Altered perception of time
• Narrowed focus of attention
• Memory problems
• Confused thoughts during the reaction phase

The most common physical reactions are nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, sweating, palpitations, rapid pulse, dizziness, a numb feeling in the arms and legs, trembling. In addition, the victim will also feel pain from the physical injuries sustained during the rape. The subsequent mental reactions may be so strong that the victim may feel they’ve sustained a serious illness. Of course, this leads to the victim becoming even more fearful, resulting in a vicious circle.

Reactions such as fear, anxiety, despondency and depression aren’t uncommon. Suppressed memories of the rape and dwelling on what happened are also common, while at the same time the victim is full of self reproach, feelings of guilt and shame. Problems:

• Fear, anxiety, feelings of powerlessness
• Depression, despondency
• Self reproach, feelings of guilt
• Thoughts of suicide
• Irritability, anger, frustration
• Unusual tiredness
• Headaches, stomach pains, sleep problems, nightmares
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Social isolation