Post‐traumatic stress disorder in victims of rape

Rape is a stressor that legitimately can be included in experiences that cause post‐traumatic stress. A review of the professional literature on rape shows evidence for each of the criteria for PTSD. A sample of convenience of 29 rape victims showed a range of PTSD patterns, but 25 (86%) were either moderately or severely stressed. Victims consistently scored higher on standard stress measures than normal or out‐patient samples. Implications of the study are discussed in terms of reframing the rape victim's experience as a response to traumatic stress.