RECOVERY FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT: CROSS-MATCHING SURVIVORS' AND THERAPISTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE MOST BENEFICIAL TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS

Back to Page Authors: Avigail Moor

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Keywords: rape treatment, sexual violence, feminist psychology, psychological healing

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Abstract: Rape and sexual assault have been widely linked to severe psychological consequences, the recovery from which often requires professional help. Thanks to the advancement of feminism in society in general, and in psychology in particular, the victim's perspective has increasingly been given voice. The present study is yet another step in that direction. Through the investigation of what recovered rape survivors identify as the therapeutic interventions that most assisted them in overcoming the trauma of rape, guidelines for optimal rape treatment are established. These receive further support from a comparison with expert feminist therapist as to what they view as being most conducive to recovery from rape. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 survivors who have experienced a successful course of therapy, and 15 feminist therapists with extensive expertise in the field. The results document considerable agreement between the two perspective, which share much in common. First, irrespective of the specific techniques involved, both survivors and therapists placed the greatest importance on a respectful and validating therapeutic relationship, that can counter the dehumanization and degradation entailed in the assault. In addition, specific interventions were identified which include the reprocessing of all rape-specific peri-traumatic reactions coupled with the intentional countering of their consequences within the therapeutic relationship. Together, these reports provide a detailed account of post-rape treatment needs and the interventions required for their effective resolution, all of which will be delineated in this talk.

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