Psychological Effects of Sexual Violence Sexual violence is a term that is used interchangeably with the word rape. The decision whether or not to use the term rape or sexual assault rests with the jurisdiction of a state. Sexual violence is more likely to be used in an attempt to be more gender neutral (National Victim Center). Sexual violence can easily be described as forced or non-consensual sexual intercourse. The individual who performs these acts on the victim may be a stranger or an acquaintance. In 1994, 64.2% of all rapes were committed by someone the offender previously knew (Ringel, 1997). Regardless, this type of crime can have extreme effects on the victim. Sexual violence is a traumatic event that can cause extreme psychological effects on the victim. These effects can be short-term and can manifest into long-term effects, depending on the individual and how the sexual assault occurred. Victims of sexual violence can be male or female, and both genders have quite similar psychological effects. In addition to these psychological effects, some individuals develop rape trauma syndrome or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can be more easily classified as a short-term response than a long-term response. Each individual is different and may differ in their reactions to this event; there is no normal or common way to react (Kaminer, 1998, p. 23). For individuals who have experienced this disturbing event, the effects can be described in terms of the different stages they go through. During the impact phase, which occurs immediately after the attack, the victim tends to fall apart inside. They often experience shock, which has a sudden and powerful effect on emotions and physical reactions, or denial, which is a mental state characterized by refusal or inability to recognize and deal with what has happened (Bard & Sangrey, 1979, page 34). When the victim is in shock he often asks himself “why me?” When going through the denial stage, the victim may not be able to accept what happened and be unsure whether the event actually happened. Sometimes victims in this stage may feel “numb and disorganized” (Bard & Sangrey, 1979, p. 34). When the victim feels numb, they often experience a detachment from their life and have the feeling of being separated from the world around them. D...... half of the document ......aid, as well as psychological counseling, to help them through the long and extensive recovery process. References Bard, Morton, & Sangrey, Dawn (1979). The Crime Victim's Book. New York, NewYork: Basic Books Inc.Center Against Sexual Violence (1999). Sexual Assault- Impact and Consequences. Retrieved October 17, 2001, from http://www.casahouse.casa.org.au/htmlClancy, Atosha (1998). Rape trauma syndrome. Retrieved October 17, 2001, from http://www.medicineau.net.au/clinical/psychiatry/rts.htmlGordon, Margaret T., & Riger, Stephanie (1989). Female fear. New York, New York: The Free Press. Kaminker, Laura (1998). Everything you need to know about dealing with sexual violence. New York, New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Parrot, Andrea (1993). Addressing date rape and acquaintance rape (Rev ed.). NewYork, New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Ringel, Cheryl (1997). Criminal Victimization 1996: Changes 1995-96 with Trends1993-96. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice. National Center for Victims of Crime. (1998). FYI: sexual assault. Retrieved October 17, 2001, from http://www.ncvc.org