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Many survivors report feelings of not being clean, even after repeated showering or bathing. Sometimes victims report compulsive behaviors where they feel like they have "the willies" or are "grossed out" to the point where they feel they must bathe immediately and for extended periods of time.
Obsessive behaviors include things like checking locks - not just before bed, but over and over...and over and over. Some victims go so far as to destroy any clothing in similar style or color to what they were wearing while assaulted. In almost all cases, these behaviors are a victim's attempt to be in control in the present of what they feel they weren't in control over in the past.
The idea behind this thinking is: "I can be more vigilent" or "I can change what attracted the attacker so it won't happen again". The downside of this thinking is that while it's intent is to re-gain control, internally, this can be devistating because the victim internalizes the blame for the attack, instead of putting the blame on the attacker where it belongs. The thinking can turn to: "If I have the ability to prevent it in the future, then maybe I could have prevented what happened in the past."
Thus victims can feel safer and more successful in dealing with the incident by using obsessive behaviors, but in reality, this results in continued deepening of the emotional wounds and thus it keeps the cycle going. Often professional counseling and intervention are essential to digging out of this destructive cycle.
Both the internal dialog and the behaviors themselves can be even more devistating to a victim than the actual attack. Sometimes these behaviors last for years, causing long term damage to relationships, self-image and the ability to hold down a job, all very important elements in a victim's support network and life of normalcy.
Obsessive behaviors include things like checking locks - not just before bed, but over and over...and over and over. Some victims go so far as to destroy any clothing in similar style or color to what they were wearing while assaulted. In almost all cases, these behaviors are a victim's attempt to be in control in the present of what they feel they weren't in control over in the past.
The idea behind this thinking is: "I can be more vigilent" or "I can change what attracted the attacker so it won't happen again". The downside of this thinking is that while it's intent is to re-gain control, internally, this can be devistating because the victim internalizes the blame for the attack, instead of putting the blame on the attacker where it belongs. The thinking can turn to: "If I have the ability to prevent it in the future, then maybe I could have prevented what happened in the past."
Thus victims can feel safer and more successful in dealing with the incident by using obsessive behaviors, but in reality, this results in continued deepening of the emotional wounds and thus it keeps the cycle going. Often professional counseling and intervention are essential to digging out of this destructive cycle.
Both the internal dialog and the behaviors themselves can be even more devistating to a victim than the actual attack. Sometimes these behaviors last for years, causing long term damage to relationships, self-image and the ability to hold down a job, all very important elements in a victim's support network and life of normalcy.
Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - Addressing Responsibily Oriented OC Behaviors
The understanding and treatment of the obsessional doubt related to sexual orientation and relationship substantiation
Merck Manual: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The understanding and treatment of the obsessional doubt related to sexual orientation and relationship substantiation
Merck Manual: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Initial support for this project was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, under the Helping Outreach Programs Expand (H.O.P.E.) program in 2005. Points of view in this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Dept. of Justice. This site depends on contributions from our users. Please consider making a donation.
