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Sexual Harassment and Trauma
Trauma reactions and Post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) result from exposure to an
overwhelmingly stressful event or series of events, such as war, assault, or sexual abuse. These events
are usually extraordinary, occur suddenly, and are perceived as dangerous to self and others. Most
importantly, the danger overwhelms our ability to respond adequately, or occurs in a situation where we
are powerless to respond, or feel we are powerless.
Trauma and PTSD can occur from wide range of events that can be grouped into three categories:
Intentional Human Causes (man-made, deliberate, vicious), Unintentional Human Causes (Accidents,
technological disasters), and Natural Disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.) Intentional Human causes are
by far the most difficult to recover from. Sexual harassment falls into the category of Intentional Human
causes, and is a type of sexual assault. Severe and/or chronic sexual harassment (particularly when
accompanied by retaliation and backlash) often causes the same effects as rape. Therefore, in many
cases the victims may suffer traumatic stress or PTSD. (Most all stalking victims suffer from some form
of traumatic stress or PTSD).
The Stages of Trauma
A victim’s reaction to a traumatic event has been termed “the crisis reaction.” We all have our normal
state of equilibrium that can be affected by everyday stressors such as illness, financial difficulties, job
changes, moving, etc. When we experience one of these, our equilibrium will be altered, but will
eventually return to normal. When someone is dealing with these common stressors, and then is
victimized or faced with traumatic events, their equilibrium does not return to its normal state, and more
extreme crisis reactions will occur. There are common stages that a victim will move through in the
aftermath of traumatic events: shock, numbness, denial, disbelief, anger, and recovery.
Shock and numbness: the victim is faced with a situation that is beyond their control and as a result,
they go into shock, becoming disoriented and confused for a time. A reduction in emotions will usually
occur, resulting in numbing. Often, a type of “emotional paralysis” can emerge which will impair
functioning, and undermines the victims ability to accomplish tasks, make decisions, and respond to
the situation. Besides affecting the completion of everyday tasks, school or work performance can be
impaired, particularly for sexual harassment victims as these are usually the places where the traumatic
events occur. As a way of numbing, victims may withdraw from family, friends, colleagues at work, or
schoolmates, and absenteeism will often increase at work or school. In cases of sexual harassment,
stalking, and bullying, the traumatic events are often repeated and chronic, with harassing behaviors
and backlash continuing over a long period of time. Also, long drawn out investigations or court trials
usually result in the complainant's character being investigated and attacked over and over--almost like
a psychological rape. Thus, victims may find themselves “locked” into this stage, and it becomes a way
of coping with the behavior while it is occurring. They may remain in this stage until after the
harassment, retaliation, or the trial ends, or the victim removes herself/himself from the situation. (i.e.
leaving the job, team, class, or school)
Leaving the situation is called the “fight or flight” response, and is a normal, automatic, physiological
response to traumatic events. Because it is automatic and physiological, the victim has no control over
how they react in a "fight or flight" response. Most people do not understand this response, and will
usually blame themselves, or be blamed by others, for fleeing (or fighting, depending on the situation).
(36) A sexual harassment victim may respond by becoming very combative and hostile towards the
perpetrator and other people in the environment, or they may respond by leaving the environment
altogether.
Denial, disbelief, anger: Moods fluctuate during this stage, as the victim struggles with believing and
accepting that the events have happened to them. Nightmares may be common, as well as thoughts of
violence against the perpetrator. Victims will also struggle with fear, shame, guilt, self-pity, and despair
over their anger and hostility. Thoughts of death, or suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) may also be
common as the victim struggles to accept what has happened.
Recovery from trauma: Support for the victim throughout the stages of the crisis reaction is critical for
recovery. The most crucial period is in the early stages when the victim will usually blame themselves
for what has happened to them. During this time, it is imperative that they be assured by a counselor or
crisis intervener that they are not at fault or to blame, and that they are safe. If these initial steps are
missing, the trauma can have long-term effects and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims
also need to feel they have options and control over their lives throughout the recovery process.
Supportive relationships are also critical during this time.
With sexual harassment and stalking, the behaviors occur over a period of time; thus, it can be difficult
for victims to obtain support in these early stages since it can take them a while to understand what they
are experiencing. A rape victim knows exactly what has happened her/him, but the range of behavior
involved in sexual harassment and stalking greatly confuses the issue. Quite a bit of time can go by
before a harassment victim is able to articulate the problem to themselves, and even more time before
they have the courage to seek support. Be that as it may, once a victim understands the situation, it is
imperative that the supports be put into place immediately.
The recovery process can be extremely difficult, and can take a few months, years, even a lifetime,
depending on the variables and circumstances. Prior traumatic events can aggravate the process. The
NCVC relates the journey as akin to a “roller-coaster ride with unexpected ups and downs.” If victims
have difficulty rebuilding or finding a new equilibrium, a long-term crisis reaction or Post-traumatic
stress disorder may result. Hopefully, the pain will lessen, but a trauma victim’s life is forever changed.
Also, with a long-term crisis reaction or PTSD, anniversaries or certain kinds of events can function as
“triggers” that throw the victim back into the initial stages of the crisis reaction. For sexual harassment
victims, a classic example of a situation that could trigger a new crisis reaction would be when a case
goes to trial.
For more about recovery, see the SHS Recovery page.
Trauma reactions and Post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) result from exposure to an
overwhelmingly stressful event or series of events, such as war, assault, or sexual abuse. These events
are usually extraordinary, occur suddenly, and are perceived as dangerous to self and others. Most
importantly, the danger overwhelms our ability to respond adequately, or occurs in a situation where we
are powerless to respond, or feel we are powerless.
Trauma and PTSD can occur from wide range of events that can be grouped into three categories:
Intentional Human Causes (man-made, deliberate, vicious), Unintentional Human Causes (Accidents,
technological disasters), and Natural Disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.) Intentional Human causes are
by far the most difficult to recover from. Sexual harassment falls into the category of Intentional Human
causes, and is a type of sexual assault. Severe and/or chronic sexual harassment (particularly when
accompanied by retaliation and backlash) often causes the same effects as rape. Therefore, in many
cases the victims may suffer traumatic stress or PTSD. (Most all stalking victims suffer from some form
of traumatic stress or PTSD).
The Stages of Trauma
A victim’s reaction to a traumatic event has been termed “the crisis reaction.” We all have our normal
state of equilibrium that can be affected by everyday stressors such as illness, financial difficulties, job
changes, moving, etc. When we experience one of these, our equilibrium will be altered, but will
eventually return to normal. When someone is dealing with these common stressors, and then is
victimized or faced with traumatic events, their equilibrium does not return to its normal state, and more
extreme crisis reactions will occur. There are common stages that a victim will move through in the
aftermath of traumatic events: shock, numbness, denial, disbelief, anger, and recovery.
Shock and numbness: the victim is faced with a situation that is beyond their control and as a result,
they go into shock, becoming disoriented and confused for a time. A reduction in emotions will usually
occur, resulting in numbing. Often, a type of “emotional paralysis” can emerge which will impair
functioning, and undermines the victims ability to accomplish tasks, make decisions, and respond to
the situation. Besides affecting the completion of everyday tasks, school or work performance can be
impaired, particularly for sexual harassment victims as these are usually the places where the traumatic
events occur. As a way of numbing, victims may withdraw from family, friends, colleagues at work, or
schoolmates, and absenteeism will often increase at work or school. In cases of sexual harassment,
stalking, and bullying, the traumatic events are often repeated and chronic, with harassing behaviors
and backlash continuing over a long period of time. Also, long drawn out investigations or court trials
usually result in the complainant's character being investigated and attacked over and over--almost like
a psychological rape. Thus, victims may find themselves “locked” into this stage, and it becomes a way
of coping with the behavior while it is occurring. They may remain in this stage until after the
harassment, retaliation, or the trial ends, or the victim removes herself/himself from the situation. (i.e.
leaving the job, team, class, or school)
Leaving the situation is called the “fight or flight” response, and is a normal, automatic, physiological
response to traumatic events. Because it is automatic and physiological, the victim has no control over
how they react in a "fight or flight" response. Most people do not understand this response, and will
usually blame themselves, or be blamed by others, for fleeing (or fighting, depending on the situation).
(36) A sexual harassment victim may respond by becoming very combative and hostile towards the
perpetrator and other people in the environment, or they may respond by leaving the environment
altogether.
Denial, disbelief, anger: Moods fluctuate during this stage, as the victim struggles with believing and
accepting that the events have happened to them. Nightmares may be common, as well as thoughts of
violence against the perpetrator. Victims will also struggle with fear, shame, guilt, self-pity, and despair
over their anger and hostility. Thoughts of death, or suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) may also be
common as the victim struggles to accept what has happened.
Recovery from trauma: Support for the victim throughout the stages of the crisis reaction is critical for
recovery. The most crucial period is in the early stages when the victim will usually blame themselves
for what has happened to them. During this time, it is imperative that they be assured by a counselor or
crisis intervener that they are not at fault or to blame, and that they are safe. If these initial steps are
missing, the trauma can have long-term effects and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims
also need to feel they have options and control over their lives throughout the recovery process.
Supportive relationships are also critical during this time.
With sexual harassment and stalking, the behaviors occur over a period of time; thus, it can be difficult
for victims to obtain support in these early stages since it can take them a while to understand what they
are experiencing. A rape victim knows exactly what has happened her/him, but the range of behavior
involved in sexual harassment and stalking greatly confuses the issue. Quite a bit of time can go by
before a harassment victim is able to articulate the problem to themselves, and even more time before
they have the courage to seek support. Be that as it may, once a victim understands the situation, it is
imperative that the supports be put into place immediately.
The recovery process can be extremely difficult, and can take a few months, years, even a lifetime,
depending on the variables and circumstances. Prior traumatic events can aggravate the process. The
NCVC relates the journey as akin to a “roller-coaster ride with unexpected ups and downs.” If victims
have difficulty rebuilding or finding a new equilibrium, a long-term crisis reaction or Post-traumatic
stress disorder may result. Hopefully, the pain will lessen, but a trauma victim’s life is forever changed.
Also, with a long-term crisis reaction or PTSD, anniversaries or certain kinds of events can function as
“triggers” that throw the victim back into the initial stages of the crisis reaction. For sexual harassment
victims, a classic example of a situation that could trigger a new crisis reaction would be when a case
goes to trial.
For more about recovery, see the SHS Recovery page.
Trauma Links:
Sidran Institute
International Society
for Traumatic Stress
Studies
Survivors Art
Foundation (Art
Therapy)
APA : Managing
Traumatic Stress
Helpguide:
Emotional and
Psychological
Trauma
Sidran Institute
International Society
for Traumatic Stress
Studies
Survivors Art
Foundation (Art
Therapy)
APA : Managing
Traumatic Stress
Helpguide:
Emotional and
Psychological
Trauma
Recommended:
Secondary Injuries
Sexual harassment victims not only struggle with primary injuries in the aftermath of the events, but
they must also battle with "secondary" injuries. Secondary injuries are injuries that occur when there is
a lack of proper support, retaliation or backlash for complaining, or victim-blaming by people in the
environment or community where the harassment occurred. These injuries can be caused by
colleagues of the harasser or victim, friends or family, employers or supervisors, healthcare
professionals, lawyers, institutional bureaucrats involved in the investigation, etc. Any of these types of
individuals may lack the ability, knowledge, or training to provide the necessary support and assistance
to the victim. Often, those individuals blame the victim for the events, or minimize the impact on the
victim. Failing to recognize the importance of the situation and the effects, or to show sympathy, can be
damaging to the victim's self-worth and greatly impede the recovery process.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events such as sexual assault and sexual harassment cause both short-term and long-term
stress reactions. Depending on their circumstances, many people who experience long-term stress
reactions continue to function at optimal levels. Those who are unable to function at a normal range or
have difficulties in one or more areas for a long period of time may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). PTSD is not a form of mental illness, but is actually a type of injury resulting from prolonged
traumatic stress. The symptoms of PTSD have been grouped into three categories: intrusions,
avoidance, and hyper-vigilance/hyper-arousal.
Intrusions: Those suffering from intrusive PTSD symptoms experience unexpected intrusive thoughts
or "flashbacks" that can play over and over again in the mind. For sexual harassment victims, vivid
memories of the harassment and surrounding events are relived. Painful emotions such as grief, fear,
and despair often accompany the memories. Sometimes, the memories are so strong that the person
believes he or she is actually experiencing the events again. Such intrusions can expend much mental
energy and greatly affect the sufferer’s ability to concentrate on other issues, and can impede
accomplishing daily tasks, and affect work and school performance.
Avoidance: The sufferer avoids close emotional ties with family, friends and colleagues, and avoids
places and situations that remind them of the harassment. The person tries to avoid everything that is
likely to trigger memories of the traumatic events—supervisors, former colleagues or classmates, types
of people, rooms, certain types of businesses, schools, neighborhoods, entire towns or cities--because
they are afraid the symptoms will worsen, or that they will be triggered into a new crisis reaction. When
the person does recall the memories of the event, they alternate between a flood of emotions and a lack
of emotions. Separation from people and emotions often results in depression.
Sexual assault victims, and victims of extreme and/or chronic sexual harassment, will often experience
avoidance to the extent that they completely withdraw socially. It has been described as psychic
numbing, denial and a feeling of being emotionally dead--they virtually do not experience feelings of any
kind. One way this manifests is a diminished interest in living. They have no interest in their children, in
their jobs, hobbies, and what feelings they do experience have a very narrow range. In addition, victims
may not remember many of the details of what happened to them.
Hyper-vigilance and hyper-arousal: Those suffering from hyper-vigilant PTSD symptoms act as if they
are constantly threatened by what happened to them in the past. They can be viewed as being
“paranoid” but hyper-vigilance is different in that it is a state caused by memories and the re-living of
past events. Sufferers are always "on guard," fearing that they must be prepared so that they do not re-
experience the same events or behaviors that lead to the original trauma. A sexual harassment recipient
will be very suspicious of people and places involved in the events, or that remind them of the events
surrounding their situation; so they will be constantly on the watch for the possibility of similar
occurrences. Many of these people are irritable and can have difficulties with anger. The constant
arousal state required for hyper-vigilance can lead to insomnia.
Other common symptoms of PTSD include memory impairments, extreme anxiety and tension, and
sleep disorders. Sexual harassment and assault victims with PTSD can develop impairments in
gauging the passage of time, and may show up for appointments early, late, or not at all. People with
PTSD usually have recurring vivid nightmares of the event, which can go on for a period of months, or
even years, after the trauma. Oftentimes, people with PTSD will try to rid themselves of the painful
memories and associated feelings by self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. In serious cases suicide
is attempted.
For other effects of sexual harassment, stalking, or the psychological effects of an investigation or court
trial, see Effects of Sexual Harassment
Sources: 7, 26, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 49, the SHS survey, and reports by victims
Sexual harassment victims not only struggle with primary injuries in the aftermath of the events, but
they must also battle with "secondary" injuries. Secondary injuries are injuries that occur when there is
a lack of proper support, retaliation or backlash for complaining, or victim-blaming by people in the
environment or community where the harassment occurred. These injuries can be caused by
colleagues of the harasser or victim, friends or family, employers or supervisors, healthcare
professionals, lawyers, institutional bureaucrats involved in the investigation, etc. Any of these types of
individuals may lack the ability, knowledge, or training to provide the necessary support and assistance
to the victim. Often, those individuals blame the victim for the events, or minimize the impact on the
victim. Failing to recognize the importance of the situation and the effects, or to show sympathy, can be
damaging to the victim's self-worth and greatly impede the recovery process.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events such as sexual assault and sexual harassment cause both short-term and long-term
stress reactions. Depending on their circumstances, many people who experience long-term stress
reactions continue to function at optimal levels. Those who are unable to function at a normal range or
have difficulties in one or more areas for a long period of time may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). PTSD is not a form of mental illness, but is actually a type of injury resulting from prolonged
traumatic stress. The symptoms of PTSD have been grouped into three categories: intrusions,
avoidance, and hyper-vigilance/hyper-arousal.
Intrusions: Those suffering from intrusive PTSD symptoms experience unexpected intrusive thoughts
or "flashbacks" that can play over and over again in the mind. For sexual harassment victims, vivid
memories of the harassment and surrounding events are relived. Painful emotions such as grief, fear,
and despair often accompany the memories. Sometimes, the memories are so strong that the person
believes he or she is actually experiencing the events again. Such intrusions can expend much mental
energy and greatly affect the sufferer’s ability to concentrate on other issues, and can impede
accomplishing daily tasks, and affect work and school performance.
Avoidance: The sufferer avoids close emotional ties with family, friends and colleagues, and avoids
places and situations that remind them of the harassment. The person tries to avoid everything that is
likely to trigger memories of the traumatic events—supervisors, former colleagues or classmates, types
of people, rooms, certain types of businesses, schools, neighborhoods, entire towns or cities--because
they are afraid the symptoms will worsen, or that they will be triggered into a new crisis reaction. When
the person does recall the memories of the event, they alternate between a flood of emotions and a lack
of emotions. Separation from people and emotions often results in depression.
Sexual assault victims, and victims of extreme and/or chronic sexual harassment, will often experience
avoidance to the extent that they completely withdraw socially. It has been described as psychic
numbing, denial and a feeling of being emotionally dead--they virtually do not experience feelings of any
kind. One way this manifests is a diminished interest in living. They have no interest in their children, in
their jobs, hobbies, and what feelings they do experience have a very narrow range. In addition, victims
may not remember many of the details of what happened to them.
Hyper-vigilance and hyper-arousal: Those suffering from hyper-vigilant PTSD symptoms act as if they
are constantly threatened by what happened to them in the past. They can be viewed as being
“paranoid” but hyper-vigilance is different in that it is a state caused by memories and the re-living of
past events. Sufferers are always "on guard," fearing that they must be prepared so that they do not re-
experience the same events or behaviors that lead to the original trauma. A sexual harassment recipient
will be very suspicious of people and places involved in the events, or that remind them of the events
surrounding their situation; so they will be constantly on the watch for the possibility of similar
occurrences. Many of these people are irritable and can have difficulties with anger. The constant
arousal state required for hyper-vigilance can lead to insomnia.
Other common symptoms of PTSD include memory impairments, extreme anxiety and tension, and
sleep disorders. Sexual harassment and assault victims with PTSD can develop impairments in
gauging the passage of time, and may show up for appointments early, late, or not at all. People with
PTSD usually have recurring vivid nightmares of the event, which can go on for a period of months, or
even years, after the trauma. Oftentimes, people with PTSD will try to rid themselves of the painful
memories and associated feelings by self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. In serious cases suicide
is attempted.
For other effects of sexual harassment, stalking, or the psychological effects of an investigation or court
trial, see Effects of Sexual Harassment
Sources: 7, 26, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 49, the SHS survey, and reports by victims
PTSD Links:
National Center for
PTSD
National Institute of
Mental Health
Gift From Within
Bully Online: Trauma
and PTSD page
AboutDepression.com
(PTSD page)
NICE (UK)
National Center for
PTSD
National Institute of
Mental Health
Gift From Within
Bully Online: Trauma
and PTSD page
AboutDepression.com
(PTSD page)
NICE (UK)
Recommended:
| Also, books focusing on recovery from sexual assault or abuse will be helpful. |
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Myths About
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Sexual
Harassment in the
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Harassment In
Education
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Myths About
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Sexual
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Stalking
Effects of Sexual
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Retaliation,
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victim blaming
How "The
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backlash, and
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How "The
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Recovery From
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Experiences
Support Groups
Speak Up! Blog
Links
Site Map_
Sexual Harassment,Trauma, and PTSD