Psychological Effects of Sexual AssaultSexual assault is a term used interchangeably with the word rape. The decision whether or not to use the term rape or sexual assault is within the jurisdiction of the state. Sexual assault is more easily used in an attempt to be more gender neutral (National Victim Center). Sexual assault can be most easily described as forced or non-consensual sex. The person who performs these acts on the victim can be either a stranger or an acquaintance. In 1994, 64.2 percent of all rapes were committed by someone the attacker had previously known (Ringel, 1997). Regardless, this type of crime can have extreme effects on the victim. Sexual assault is a traumatic event that can cause extreme psychological effects on the victim. These effects can be short-term and can manifest as long-term effects, depending on the individual and how the sexual assault occurred. Victims of sexual assault can be men or women, with both sexes having quite similar psychological effects. In addition to these psychological effects, some people develop rape trauma syndrome or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can be more easily categorized into short-term or long-term responses. Each individual is different and may differ in their reactions to this event; there is no normal or common way to react (Kaminker, 1998, p. 23). For individuals who have experienced this disturbing event, the effects can be described in terms of the different phases through which they pass. During the impact phase, which occurs immediately after the attack, the victim tends to collapse internally. They often experience shock, which has a sudden and powerful effect on emotions and physical reactions, or denial, which is a state of mind marked by an unwillingness or inability to recognize and deal with what has happened. (Bard and Sangrey, 1979, p. 34). When the victim is in shock, they often ask themselves “why me?” When going through denial, the victim may be unable to accept what happened and may not be sure that the event really happened. Sometimes, victims of this phase may feel “numb and disorganized” (Bard & Sangrey, 1979, p. 34). When the sufferer feels numb, they often feel detachment from their life and feel separated from the world around them. D...... middle of paper ...... friends, as well as psychological counseling, to help them through the long and extensive recovery process. References Bard, Morton and Sangrey, Dawn (1979). The crime victim's book. New York, NY: Basic Books Inc. Sexual Assault Center (1999). Sexual Assault – Impact and Consequences. Retrieved October 17, 2001 from http://www.casahouse.casa.org.au/html Clancy, Atosha (1998). Rape trauma syndrome. Retrieved October 17, 2001 from http://www.medicineau.net.au/clinical/psychiatry/rts.html Gordon, Margaret T. and Riger, Stephanie (1989). Female fear. New York, New York: The Free Press. Kaminker, Laura (1998). Everything you need to know about dealing with sexual assault. New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Parrot, Andrea (1993). Coping with Date Rape and Acquaintance Rape (Rev. ed.). New York, New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Ringel, Cheryl (1997). Criminal victimization 1996: changes 1995-96 with trends 1993-96. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, United States Department of Justice. National Center for Victims of Crime. (1998). For information: sexual assault. Retrieved October 17, 2001 from http://www.ncvc.org