Chapter Nine - Military Sexual Trauma Traumatic events such as rape cause both short-term and long-term stress reactions. Nearly one-third of all rape victims develop Rape-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (RR-PTSD) sometime during their lifetimes. Some of the symptoms of rape trauma are:

___ Confusion ___ Difficulty sleeping ___ Headaches ___ Increasing fears ___ Overeating ___ Difficulty concentrating ___ Unexplained emotional outburst ___ Panic attacks ___ Anxiety ___ Depression ___ Palpitations

To diminish symptoms of RR-PTSD you must work on two fronts: (1) coming to terms with the past, and (2) alleviating stress in the present. Neither the crime nor its aftermath will go away by ignoring them. Do not isolate yourself. There are community resources you may contact for support. Action Plan on Military Sexual Trauma How can you have success in this area of stress? If this is not one of your areas to worry about, think of your “buddies” who may have this problem and decide how you can help them cope. National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-565-HOPE (4673). Through this hotline, counselors near you may be found to support you in your healing and recovery from this violent crime.