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Reorganization is characterized by a return to internal and external emotional turmoil. The length of reorganization can vary widely, and can end when a survivor returns to Outward Adjustment or Underground, or when they are able to resolve the trauma and move to the Renormalization stage. The Reorganization Stage can begin when there is an external trigger than moves a survivor from the Underground or Outward Adjustment stage, or when there is a life transition, or for other reasons that may not be clear to the survivor or their loved ones.
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Inability to maintain previously close relationships.Victims may show a wide variety of symptoms, but some common symptoms during this phase include: Flight (moves to a new home or city, alters appearance).Suppression (refuses to discuss the incident).Dramatization (cannot stop talking about the assault).Minimization (pretending “everything is fine”, or that the assault “wasn’t a big deal”).Victims may employ a wide range of coping mechanisms, including: During this stage, the victim may outwardly appear to have “moved on” from an assault, but this stage is marked by serious inner turmoil. Outward adjustment often begins when the Acute stage ends, and can last for between a few months and several years, if it is not interrupted. Thoughts of and increased risk of suicide.Acute sensitivity to the reaction of other people.Dulled sensory, affective and memory functions.Diminished alertness or hyper-alertness.Often, victims begin experiencing symptoms of the acute stage after the initial shock of an assault has worn off. The acute stage can begin days or weeks after a sexual assault and generally lasts for between a few days and a few weeks. Although each individual’s experience is unique, people experiencing rape trauma syndrome often process their trauma in a series of stages Increased Physiological Arousal Characteristics: This symptom can be marked by an exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep disorders or difficulty concentrating.Avoidance Behaviors and Actions: Victims may desire to avoid any feelings or thoughts that might recall to mind events about the rape.Social Withdrawal: This symptom has been called ‘psychic numbing’ and involves not experiencing feelings of any kind.
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Re-Experiencing the Trauma: Rape victims may experience recurrent nightmares about the rape, flashbacks or may have an inability to stop remembering the rape.RTS describes symptoms of trauma including disruptions to normal physical, emotional, cognitive and interpersonal behavior. Rape trauma syndrome (or RTS) is related to post-traumatic stress disorder but is more specific to sexual assault. Confidential RSVP counselors available 24/7Įmail or call 31 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)Ģ4/7 emergency via Provident WashU (31), WUPD (31) or SARAH peer counseling during the academic year (31)