© (2006) By Vicki Polin, MA, ATR, LCPC
When someone is a survivor of sexual violence (incest,
sexual abuse, sexual assault, professional sexual misconduct, clergy sexual abuse)
there are certain types of behaviors (symptomology) that they may display,
especially when they are under a great deal of pressure. The behaviors are
extremely common for someone who is experiencing rape trauma syndrome (which
is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
One of the things that helps most survivors is when
PTSD symptoms pop out, to take a step back, and regroup. If you don't do
this, then you remain in the "victim" role, and healing can NEVER take
place.
It's vitally important for a survivor involved in a
court case to take as many breaks as possible from following what's happening
in the news and or on blogs. Remaining cool, calm and collected will help
your court case.
Reading articles about a case your involved with, and
also reading blog entries can trigger "anyone" to say things and behave in
ways that would not normally occur. Please, if you or someone you know is
a survivor of a sex crime and involved in a court case, please help them
by keeping them off of blogs that debate their case, and also DO NOT baiting
them into discussions.
I want to urge survivors of all cases NOT to read these
types of blogs. If a survivor feels they need to, it should only be done
when they are with their rape counselor and or a trusted friend.
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