Verywell / Alison Czinkota
Rape trauma syndrome (RTS) is a form ofpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
It is thespecific version of PTSD that occurs after sexual assault.
The term rape trauma syndrome was coined by nurse Anna Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom in 1974.
Verywell / Alison Czinkota
Regardless of the coping technique, people moving through this phase are often still incredibly traumatized.
What Causes Rape Trauma Syndrome?
It can happen whether the event is hours long or barely a minute.
It can happen whether the event was in your home, the assailant’s home, or in public.
How Do You Know If You Have Rape Trauma Syndrome?
You may have processed it differently because all brains are different.
It is a normal reaction to an abnormal, traumatic experience.
Treatment for Rape Trauma Syndrome
Thetraumaof rape and sexual assault can seem never-ending.
Many victims feel that their lives are forever changed from it happening.
Fortunately, there are steps you could take if you are experiencing rape trauma syndrome.
Tell someone in your world what happened, and let them help you find a professional crisis counselor.
Support groups for sexual assault survivors exist in most major cities and online.
Effective treatments may includecognitive processing therapy (CPT)andeye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Evidence suggests that people who lack such support experience worse treatment and recovery outcomes.
Give yourself time, check that you are caring for yourself, and lean on your social support system.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Burgess AW, Holmstrom LL.Rape trauma syndrome.The American Journal of Psychiatry.
1974;131(9):981-986.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National web connection.Rape trauma syndrome.
University of Arkansas.Rape trauma syndrome.
2023;65(2):175-180. doi:10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_775_22
American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of PTSD.
