The more awareness that a therapist has about the differences that arise from race, class, and ethnicity, the more likely the therapist s culturally constructed values will not be imposed on the survivor. It is important to remember that there is great diversity between individuals, but at the same time to respect the culture and to help the survivor find support and heal within her culture and community. Rape is a complex experience. The therapist, of a survivor of rape, should be aware of different factors that shape the survivor s experience. However, the therapist must not only view the survivor in the context of the individual, but also in the context of community.
Rape is loss.
Like death, it is best treated with a period of mourning and grief. We should develop social ceremonies for rape, rituals, that, like funerals and wakes, would allow the mourners to recover the spirits that the rapist, like death, steals. If at all possible the therapist may try to integrate the survivor s experience into that of the community. This may help to end the shame that is present in many survivors of rape. The social validation and legitimization of the rape survivor s experience may help to transform the rape from a shameful, horrifying, traumatic experience into one of strength.