Survivors are not to blame for the crime committed to them by another person. We cannot control the actions of another person. Survivors need a safe environment to work through their fears. You can help provide that environment by reading all you can on PTSD, and allowing the survivor space and time to recover. If you are someone close to a survivor you also may want to check into counseling or find someone you can talk to.
Rape is a crime that does affect the entire family or support system.
By reading as much as you can it will help you recognize when a survivor needs extra help or if you do. The info above is from a booklet about Post-Traumatic Stress put out by Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville,TN. and compiled from the following urls. Living with someone suffering from PTSD Living with a person who is dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be a real challenge. My wife, Gayle, was brutally raped and beaten in January 1995. The echoes of that night still reverberate through our marriage.