3.4: D. Impacts
- Page ID
- 47608
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Image 3.2
After a sexual assault the victim's feelings may be unpredictable and may range from possible numbness to sadness, grief, terror, or confusion. Different victims react in different ways thus, their feelings may be expressed or controlled. The victim may be outwardly upset or appear very calm. Additionally, the victim may experience loss of appetite and disturbance in sleep patterns (Community Violence Intervention Center, Ensuring).
Many victims continue to experience negative emotions and reactions long after the rape. Victims may even mentally and physically relive the assault many times (flashbacks). These continued reactions are often termed "Rape Trauma Syndrome" or "Rape‑related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)". Victims suffering from PTSD may:
- be afraid they will see the rapist, be afraid of all men (in the case of a male perpetrator) for a time, may be afraid to leave home or afraid of crowds because trust in their environment was destroyed.
- experience physical discomfort, nightmares, loss of appetite, sexual dysfunction, and extreme mood swings.
- experience a prolonged grieving process and may go through cycles of denial, resolution, anxiety, and grief.
(North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services, Friends)
Victims should carefully consider accessing medical services. In addition to being physically bruised or injured, victims may wish to be tested for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. Victims may wish to call a sexual abuse crisis center in order to have an advocate accompany them to the doctor's office or hospital (see Appendix K).
A nurse will be present to explain the exam and will stay through the procedures. Evidence of assault will be collected when possible, therefore, victims should refrain from showering, douching or changing clothes before seeking medical assistance. The hospital exam is most effective within 72 hours of the assault so that physical evidence can be collected.
Victims may consent to a medical exam and refuse evidence collection. It is their choice. Medical personnel are required to report the assault to police as soon as possible. Even if victims have not received medical treatment within 72 hours, it is still important to see a doctor (CVIC Sexual Assault).



