Factors Likely to Influence Trauma

Relationship with the offender: If the victim and offender know each other (intimate partners), or the offender is in a position of trust (parent figure, teacher, counselor, etc.) the sense of betrayal and victimization will be significant. Typically the closer the relationship, the more trauma will result from the victimization.

Age of the victim: If the victim is young, or dependent on the offender for care, victimization is likely to result in more trauma.

Use of physical force and /or infliction of injury during an assault: Victims who have a long healing process or a permanent disability as a result of their victimization are likely to have a more complex recovery process psychologically. Often psychological trauma cannot be effectively processed until one feels better physically; likewise physical trauma tends to keep any emotional trauma stirred up and "fresh", making resolution more difficult.

Prior victimization: an individual who has experienced other types of victimization in their life may exhibit more symptoms of trauma. Any new victimization will re-trigger prior or unresolved issues of trauma.

Factors likely to increase the effects of trauma include:

• Relationship with the offender.
• On-going perpetration by the offender; not an isolated incident.
• Age of the victim: If the victim is young, or dependent on the offender for care, victimization is likely to result in more trauma.
• Use of physical force and /or infliction of injury during an assault.
• Prior victimization
• A long, protracted legal process will also interfere with the ability to effectively resolve trauma symptoms.

Factors that will help minimize the effects of trauma:

• Strong support system – people who will listen to and support the victim in helpful ways.
• Ability to find meaning in their experience; victims who are able to find some larger purpose or context are less likely to be overwhelmed by their experience.