被禁止的性行為與性暴力

性暴力: 強姦: 女性受害人:幫助受害人 2

在受到人身的性攻擊之後的數天和幾周裏，受害人通常會體驗到非常嚴重的心理障礙，可能的情形通常從精神恍惚、對任何事物都會神經緊張、易怒和睡眠不規則，到反復做惡夢、痛苦經歷浮現和擔心受到人身侵犯等等。她們也可能會壓抑對人身的性攻擊的確切細節的回憶或在腦海裏一遍又一遍地一再體驗這種痛苦的經歷。這樣的體驗甚至可能持續數月。在一些案例，也有理由會擔心非意願懷孕或擔心感染性傳播疾病。對非意願懷孕和性傳播疾病的檢驗可能需要一定的時間。這就是為什麼持續的醫學照護是非常重要的另一個原因。

受害人並不會都按照同樣的方式來對待和處理她們的創傷的。有的受害人抑制不住情感：她們會哭泣、憤怒得發抖、或不自然地發笑。有些似乎外表鎮靜和理性，但是這只是她們內心煩亂的一種偽裝。有些受害人也可能否認受到過人身的性攻擊，因為事實本身可能不堪回首。有些研究者提出過一個兩相反應的“強姦創傷綜合征（rape trauma syndrome）”，它首先類似於臨床上的休克，然後是創傷後心理壓力失調（post-traumatic stress disorder，PTSD）。

強姦案的受害人常常會感到被人背叛，並且變得不信任他人。她們可能在心理上封閉自己，並因而讓人難以幫助她們（渡過難關）。然而，對於她們的康復來說，心理諮詢服務的幫助是至關重要的。家庭成員、朋友、諮詢師和治療師都應該耐心而不加任何評判地傾聽她們的傾訴，而且無條件地主動提供任何的支持。同樣重要的是，要讓受害人明白她自己並不應該為所受到的傷害承擔任何的責任。

在許多國家，現在已經有了強姦危機干預中心（rape crisis center）及其熱線電話，能夠提供諮詢建議和諮詢幫助。不僅受害人，而且受害人的家人和朋友都可能覺得與強姦危機干預中心及其熱線電話聯繫是非常有用的。不過，不應該強迫受害人一定要去這樣做。儘管必須的支持是必要的，但是，她們需要一定的時間來緩解痛苦體驗。

美國抗擊人身的性攻擊組織

An American Organization fighting Sexual Assault

Prohibited Sexual Behavior and Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence: Rape: Female Victims: Helping the Victims 2

In the first few days and weeks after the assault, victims usually experience various psychological problems, possibly ranging from an inability to concentrate, general nervousness, irritability, and irregular sleeping patterns to recurrent nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety attacks. They may also repress the memories of certain details of the attack or relive them over and over in their minds. Such experiences may even continue for months. In some cases, there is also reason to worry about an unwanted pregnancy or the infection with a sexually transmitted disease. Testing for these may take some time. This is another reason why continuing medical attention is important.
Not all victims deal with their trauma in the same way. Some cannot help expressing their feelings: They cry, shake with anger, or laugh uncomfortably. Others seem outwardly calm and rational, but this only masks their inner turmoil. Some may also be in denial, because the reality may be too painful to remember. Some researchers have spoken of a two-phase “Rape Trauma Syndrome” which first resembles a medical shock and later a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Rape victims often feel betrayed and become suspicious of others. They may isolate themselves and thus make it difficult for another person to assist them. However, psychological help is essential for their recovery. Family members, friends, counselors, and therapists should patiently and nonjudgmentally listen and offer their unconditional support. It is also important to make the victim understand that she is not to blame for what was done to her.
In many countries there are now rape crisis centers and hotlines that can offer advice and assistance. Not only the victims, but also their families and friends may find it useful to contact them. However, the victims should not be pressured to do so. Even with all necessary support, they need their own time to work through their experience.