Rape and Sexual Assault Health Article

Parental concerns

Parents of children and adolescents who are raped or sexually assaulted are understandably upset, angry, and even violent toward perpetrators. For the best mental health of the victim, parents should strive to listen to their children, use healthy coping strategies, and reassure the victim that he/she was not at fault. Parents should resist letting anger toward the assailant take precedence over attention to their child or adolescent.

Because rape and sexual assault cause long-term psychological trauma, parents should be aware of symptoms of PTSD, depression, substance abuse, high-risk behaviors, and anxiety in their children. Long-term therapy with a counselor experienced in rape and sexual assault trauma can benefit both the victim and parents.

Parents should also be aware that PTSD and other psychological effects of rape can manifest as poor school performance. Impaired concentration, acting out in school, diminished energy, embarrassment, and frustration may all occur in traumatized children and adolescents. School officials and counselors should be contacted to help students with academic problems; temporary homebound instruction or day therapy programs may be necessary.

BOOKS

Matsakis, Aphrodite. The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-by-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2003.

PERIODICALS

Kawsar, M., et al. "Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Mental Health Needs of Female Child and Adolescent Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault Attending a Specialist Clinic." Sexually Transmitted Infections 80 (April 2004): 138–141.

Pharris, Margaret D., and Sarah S. Nafstad. "Nursing Care of Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted." Nursing Clinics of North America 37 (2002): 475–97.

Ruggiero, Kenneth J., et al. "Is Disclosure of Childhood Rape Associated with Mental Health Outcome? Results from the National Women's Study." Child Maltreatment 9 (February 2004): 62–77.

ORGANIZATIONS

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th St., SW, PO Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090–6920. Web site: <www.acog.org/>.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). 635-B Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1–800–656-HOPE. Web site: <www.rainn.org/>.

WEB SITES

"Adolescent Update: Drugs and Date Rape." American College of Emergency Physicians. Available online at <http://www.acep.org/webportal/MemberCenter/SectionsofMembership/PediatricEmergencyMedicine/NewsletterArticles/AdolescentUpdateDrugsDateRape.htm> (accessed November 3, 2004).

Jennifer E. Sisk, M.A.