SEX: How to Deal With the After Effects of Rape

Most rape victims suffer from a series of symptoms. There are both psychological and physical effects in the aftermath of rape or sexual assault.

Steps

Do some research on Rape Trauma Syndrome. Learning about the health and psychological conditions effecting survivors of assault has been cited by researchers as a positive coping skill associated with faster healing. (Matsushita-Arao, 1997 ) You can find information at RCIP:
If you are a victim you should also seek help from a professional. Sometimes it helps to understand your healing process.
Ask a specialist in rape trauma syndrome for information about the condition and its effects. You can find a therapist by calling the APA at 1-800-964-2000, or the NMHA at 1.800.969.6642.
Ask a Medical Physician about your symptoms. You can find a Physician at Medline: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rape.html
You can also do research at your local library. Pathfinders are websites created by librarians that list the best resources on a particular subject. This resource would tell you which reference resources, books, databases (journals) and online resources are best for your topic. You can find your local library here. You can find pathfinders by using any internet search engine.
Rape crisis centers will also provide information on the effects of rape. Some will loan out material or have their own library inside the crisis center. You can find your local crisis center by calling RAINN at 1.800.656.HOPE or going to the site (rainn.org) and accessing the database.

Symptoms experienced by rape victims are:
- Psychological: rape trauma syndrome, PTSD, OCD, SI, eating disorders.
- Physical: body memories (possible in a brain-related sense, but not supported by current theory. Look up "body memory" on answers.com, Criticisms), headaches, and stomachaches, Chronic pelvic pain, Premenstrual syndrome, Gastrointestinal disorders, Gynecological and pregnancy complications, Migraines and other frequent headaches, Back pain, Facial pain, Disability preventing work. Possible pregnancy.

Be aware of victim blame (http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//vb.html) - "Victim blaming is holding the victim responsible for what has happened to her/him. One way in which victim blaming is perpetuated is through rape myths. Rape myths allow us to blame the victim and are often common false beliefs."

A notebook, sometimes called a commonplace book, to write things the PTSD causes you to forget.You may also what a friend there with you to help you cope with everthing and all the aftermath of it all