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PART III : THEORY
• Have problems with their social relationships , because they feel emotionally numb , or overwhelmed by emotions .
• Feel guilt , depression , or worry .
• Lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy .
• Have trouble remembering the dangerous event .
Hyper arousal symptoms
These symptoms are an expression of a ‘ fight-flight ’ response to threat . When survivors are hyper vigilant , they are physiologically in a state of alert and crisis , as if the traumatising event is still occurring . The survivor is physically prepared to escape or defend herself . Some of the relevant symptoms are similar to panic or anxiety disorders . In many cases , they do not need to be triggered but are present constantly . The symptoms include :
• Being easily startled . Survivors may be deeply frightened by a door slamming shut , the sound of a police car , or any loud noise .
• Hyper-vigilance . Persons in this state are acutely aware of everything around them , always alert . They see signs of danger everywhere . When this state of mind is very pronounced , it resembles paranoia .
• Tension . Being tense or on edge may cause muscular problems , and continuous pain .
• Sleeping difficulties . Survivors may wake up frequently , or be unable to sleep , etc . They are often afraid that a traumatising memory will recur if they sleep .
• Outbursts of anger . Survivors may become extremely irritable . This can cause problems with family or friends , because the anger often has no justification and the survivor ’ s behaviour can be irritating for others , or be misunderstood .
As a consequence of all her symptoms , the survivor may face , in addition to her mental distress , significant relational or professional difficulties .
A special stressor : rape as a cause of severe traumareaction
“ Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual penetration which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person ’ s consent ” ( Holzman 1996 ). Rape is an extreme form of violence and causes the same symptoms and trauma-effects as other catastrophic events discussed above . Violent crimes , by other human beings with the intent to harm , have the most serious consequences of all traumas . They also destroy a person ’ s social relationships .
Most individuals who are raped become traumatised . The trauma of rape consists of several factors , including fear of being injured or killed , being dehumanised ( treated as an object ), losing control over your own body and what happens , and becoming helpless and powerless . Despite this , in many societies the rape of women is still not considered a severe crime because it is believed that women have a subordinate position in society and do not enjoy the same rights as men . Often the crime is considered a violation of male property .