Denial. Numb and uncomprehending, she may deny that he experience happened altogether or rationalize the event away, even if it means convincing herself that he she consented.
Anger and grief. After the shock and the denial have worn off, a survivor often moves on to the reaction stage. At this point, the survivor admits to herself that she has in fact been viciously violated and allows herself to react emotionally to the event.
Depression. Faced with a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence (“How did I let that happen to me?”), and for some a loss of independence as they cling to those around them for support and protection, some survivors fall into a long-term depression. Psychotherapy and support groups can be important and helpful at this stage, as long as the therapist or group leader is trained in working with the consequences of trauma on women.
Acceptance. A survivor may begin to accept that her sense of safety and view of the world could be permanently altered by experiencing a rape.
Anger and grief. After the shock and the denial have worn off, a survivor often moves on to the reaction stage. At this point, the survivor admits to herself that she has in fact been viciously violated and allows herself to react emotionally to the event.
Depression. Faced with a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence (“How did I let that happen to me?”), and for some a loss of independence as they cling to those around them for support and protection, some survivors fall into a long-term depression. Psychotherapy and support groups can be important and helpful at this stage, as long as the therapist or group leader is trained in working with the consequences of trauma on women.
Acceptance. A survivor may begin to accept that her sense of safety and view of the world could be permanently altered by experiencing a rape.
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