What phase comes first in the trauma experience of sexual assault victims?

The first phase in the trauma experience of sexual assault victims is acute trauma. This phase represents the immediate response after the assault occurs and is characterized by overwhelming emotional distress and confusion, which often includes shock, disbelief, anxiety, and a sense of loss of control. During this initial phase, victims may feel a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness. It is a critical time for victims where they may struggle to process what has happened, as their minds and bodies respond to the traumatic event.

Other phases, such as outward adjustment, integration, and post-traumatic growth, occur later as the individual begins to cope with the aftermath of the assault. Outward adjustment involves the victim attempting to return to their normal life while still dealing with internal emotional turmoil. Integration refers to the process of incorporating the traumatic experience into one’s life narrative in a way that allows the individual to move forward. Post-traumatic growth is the positive change that can occur after the trauma, leading to a stronger sense of self, deeper relationships, or a new appreciation for life. However, these phases only come after the initial acute trauma phase has been experienced.