The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) is common after rape, affecting both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control defines PTSD as an intense physical and emotional response to thoughts and reminders of the event that last for many weeks or months after the traumatic event.1 Although PTSD is common after experiencing many types of traumatic events, rape has the highest PTSD prevalence at 49%, compared to natural disasters at 3.8%.2 PTSD following rape often lasts for many months following the assault.3

Living with and healing from PTSD can be challenging. While healing is not linear and has no timeline, it is possible with the right support and resources.

Resources for survivors living with PTSD:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: National hotline, operated by RAINN, that serves people affected by sexual violence. Available by phone — 800.656.HOPE — and online chat: hotline.rainn.org.
• If you are currently a member of the military or have family members in the military, you can call the DoD Safe Helpline at 877.995.5247 or visit safehelpline.org for online chat support.
• Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation: The Sidran Institute provides information on traumatic stress (including PTSD), dissociative disorders, and co-occurring issues such as addictions, self-injury, and suicidal behaviors.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides information on PTSD and referral services, not counseling. Helpline: 888.950.NAMI (6264)
• GoodTherapy.org: GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries worldwide who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.
• Psychology Today: Find listings for treatment centers in the United States and Canada.
• National Center for PTSD (For Veterans and the General Public) 802.296.6300
• You can learn more about PTSD at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or Mayo Clinic.

1"Coping with a Traumatic Event - CDC." https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/coping.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.

2"Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Statistics: 2022 Update - CFAH." 29 Oct. 2022, https://cfah.org/ptsd-statistics/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.

3"Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Statistics: 2022 Update - CFAH." 29 Oct. 2022, https://cfah.org/ptsd-statistics/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2022.