Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a form of psychological trauma and post traumatic stress disorder experienced by a rape victim, which will manifest as disruptions to normal physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal characteristics. The theory was first described by psychiatrist Ann Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom in 1974.
RTS describes a range of psychological and physical signs, symptoms and reactions common to most rape victims, during, immediately following, and for months or years after a rape.
RTS is unavoidable – feelings of blame, anger, shame, fear, shock, denial and confusion are normal in the event of sexual violence. You do not have to deal with this confusion on your own! Click on one of the following links to help you through the process.
Rape aXe 