Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

8/11/04

Dear Rape Victim Advocates:

Thank you for your work on behalf of victims of violence. Here is a new 
article written especially for the Gift From Within website.  Joyce Boaz

Rape Trauma Syndrome: The Journey to Healing Belongs To Everyone
by Amy Menna, LMHC, CAP

http://www.giftfromwithin.org/html/journey.html

It has been said that once a women is raped, her power is taken away. It’s 
the belief of this writer that this notion is erroneous. The immense power 
within a woman cannot be destroyed, only temporarily hidden. Lasting effects 
of 
rape can be mitigated by support and by uncovering the power that was so 
cleverly 
concealed. So many survivors believe that they are alone on a journey. Their 
story may be theirs…but the journey belongs to everyone.

The Story of Ella

Ella was raped at 17 when she was walking home from volleyball practice. The 
man who assaulted her was someone that she knew from school. He approached 
her 
asking her to help him lift something in to his van. He said that he would be 
able to give her a ride home afterwards. When they reached the van, he 
proceeded to rape her in the back of it. When he was finished, he told her to 
get 
dressed and get in the front seat. He drove her right to her home without 
having 
to ask directions. Ella never told anyone about the assault. She came home 
that day, went up to her room, and took a shower. After that, her mother 
asked 
her to come down to dinner. Knowing that her absence would cause them to ask 
questions, she sat at the dinner table pretending as if nothing happened. 
When 
asked if there was something wrong, she said that she had a bad practice. 
After 
dinner, she completed her homework and went to bed.    

The rest of the article: http://www.giftfromwithin.org/html/journey.html

Please feel free to llink to our resources.

Other articles:

Dealing with Domestic Abuse: Lessons from Kathy

Understanding the Victims of Spousal Abuse

Anniversary Reactions: A Survivor's Guide on How to Cope 

Healing from Shame Associated with Traumatic Events 

Peaceful Heart: A Woman’s Journey of Healing After Rape

Suffering in Silence: The Problem of Male Sexual Abuse

Partners with PTSD-For Friends and Families

Posttraumatic Therapy
Gift From Within, an international nonprofit organization is dedicated to 
those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for 
PTSD, 
and those who care for traumatized individuals.  Educational materials 
include 
videotapes, books and articles for both clinicians and those experiencing 
PTSD. 

Respectfully,

Joyce Boaz
Director
Gift From Within- PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
l6 Cobb Hill Road
Camden, ME 04843 USA
207 236-8858 ph
207 236-2818 fax
http://www.giftfromwithin.org-PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
http://www.ptsdinfo.org-Gateway to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Information
http://www.vdbs.org-Violent Death Bereavement Society
Please be aware that the materials on this website are intended for 
educational purposes. This is not meant to replace or act as a substitute for 
the care 
and advice given to you by your own clinician or mental health counselor.