Early Intervention After Rape to Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Rape is one of the traumatic experiences with the highest risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early interventions—such as prolonged exposure therapy (PE)—have shown strong potential in preventing PTSD following sexual assault. The primary objective of Early Intervention Response (EIR), which applies modified prolonged exposure therapy (mPE), is to offer immediate, structured psychological support to reduce the long-term impact of trauma.

Rape prevention also includes strategies focused on both rape avoidance and rape resistance, often framed within criminal justice and public safety approaches.
Rape avoidance strategies encourage women to take precautions such as avoiding isolated locations, not walking alone at night, and keeping doors and windows secured.
Rape resistance strategies provide guidance on actions women may take in the event of an attack, emphasizing assertiveness, awareness, and self-protective responses.

✅ Support to Child Survivors

Child survivors of sexual abuse gain the greatest benefit when they receive timely access to therapeutic support. Early interventions have been shown to significantly reduce the psychological impact of abuse and prevent more severe mental health challenges later in life.

Support workers confirm that when young survivors receive timely, compassionate assistance, their long-term negative outcomes are reduced. Without such support, survivors may experience serious physical, emotional, or behavioural consequences.

OHEPASA recommends therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and families after sexual abuse. These include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, socio-educative programs, and creative therapeutic approaches that help survivors heal and regain stability.

✅ Campaigns

We use targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the harm of sexual violence and promote evidence-based strategies for prevention and early intervention.
Our strength lies in partnership. We collaborate with stakeholders, institutions, and community groups at all levels to advance our mission: preventing harm, protecting the vulnerable, and supporting the healing of survivors.

Each year, over one million adults experience sexual violence, yet many remain unaware of the support systems available to them. Through campaigns aligned with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness initiatives, we work to reach survivors still suffering in silence and guide them toward safe, confidential support.

Our awareness efforts strengthen OHEPASA’s mission to reduce sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, ensuring communities are better informed, more protected, and empowered to speak out.