Rape

:For other uses of the word rape (for example, the plant called rapeseed), see Rape (disambiguation).

Effects of rape

A proportion of violent sexual assaults end with the death or serious injury of the victim. Other consequences can include pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Because of the sexual nature of rape crimes, the most common effect of rape on victims, however, is serious psychological trauma. This is especially true in societies with strong sexual customs and taboos. For example, a woman (and especially a virgin) who is raped may be deemed by society to be "damaged": she may suffer isolation, be prohibited to marry, be divorced if she was married, or even killed. She may also feel "dirty", as if the crime was her fault.

Related Topics:
Pregnancy - Sexually transmitted disease - Psychological trauma - Virgin

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In the past, survivors of rape and sexual assault were often diagnosed with Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS), then considered to be a psychological disorder. RTS is no longer considered a diagnosis, but rather a set of normal psychological and physiological reactions that a victim is likely to experience. These include, but are not limited to, feelings of guilt and shame, tension, anger, eating disturbances, and sometimes depression. The reactions are very similar to those that would be experienced by a survivor of any other traumatizing experience, and is often cited as one of the reasons why rape goes unreported.

Related Topics:
Rape Trauma Syndrome - Diagnosis - Depression

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The process to denounce and eventually convict an offender is often hindered by similar psychological effects. Victims frequently feel shame when describing what has happened (especially if the victim is male, or if a female victim must report the incident to a male law officer). Also, the intimate questions and medical examinations required for prosecution can make the victim uncomfortable. In societies that do not accord equal civil rights to women and men, this process is even more difficult for female victims.

Related Topics:
Medical examination - Civil rights

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Medical emergency information

:Main articles: Medical emergency and Sexual assault

Related Topics:
Medical emergency - Sexual assault

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According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in the United States, rape is a medical emergency http://www.acep.org/1,32848,0.html. Medical and law enforcement professionals have strongly recommended that a victim calls for help and reports it. A victim who seeks immediate medical attention, will not only allow prompt treatment for possibly life-threatening injuries and diseases, but will also preserve evidence. Many recommend that victims should not bathe or clean themselves before the examination, not only to prevent the loss of physical evidence, but also to not delay medical attention.

Related Topics:
American College of Emergency Physicians - Medical emergency - Calls for help

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Physical injuries such as gynecologic, rectal or internal hemorrhage may have resulted. Additionally, emergency contraception and preventative treatment against sexually transmitted diseases may be required, in particular prophylactic treatments to prevent HIV infection. In many locations, emergency medical technicians, emergency room nurses and doctors are trained to help rape victims. Some emergency rooms have rape kits which are used to collect evidence.

Related Topics:
Gynecologic - Rectal - Internal hemorrhage - Contraception - Sexually transmitted diseases - Prophylactic - HIV infection - Emergency medical technician - Emergency room - Rape kit

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AIDS prophylaxis is possible within 48 hours, but is not always deemed appropriate, given:

Related Topics:
AIDS - Prophylaxis

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• the extremely small chance of transmission in many cases (0.1 - 0.3%, or between 1 in 333 and 1 in 1000);
• the lack of certainty of any effective results (it reduces, rather than removes the risk); and
• the often severe side effects of drugs required.

This would usually be a clinical decision based upon circumstances. http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/Network/v21_1/NW21-1HIVpostexpostretmnt.htm

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RAINN

Some groups also operate hotlines to offer advice and psychological first aid.

Related Topics:
Hotline - First aid

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In the United States, one of the most prominent hotlines for rape victims is operated by the organization, RAINN (The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network). RAINN is the only toll-free, completely confidential 24-hour hotline that provides this service in America. Their telephone number is 1-800-656-HOPE.

Related Topics:
RAINN - Toll-free

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