A follow-up study of rape victims

Of 130 women initially seen in a general hospital emergency room after being raped, the authors were able to interview 41 of the women 1-21/2 years after the rape. Half of the women continued to fear being alone and three-quarters reported still being suspicious of others. Many also felt restricted in their daily lives and had self-reported episodes of depression and sexual problems, which they attributed to the rape; none had a history of mental or emotional disturbance. The authors recommend that short-term, issue-oriented therapy be made available for all rape victims, as well as resources for the treatment of long-term symptoms.