Victims of this brutal act view it as much more than just unconsenting sex. Rape is one of the cruelest forms of criminal violence as it intrudes into the most private and intimate parts of the body and is an assault to the core of one"s self. The victim suffers profound injury. Rendered powerless by physical force, threats or fear after which being forced to submit to sexual acts, which may include vaginal penetration, oral copulation, sodomy and penetration with a foreign object, the victim is left virtually alone. Feeling dirty, devalued and humiliated, they are forced to deal with the post trauma that takes them by as much surprise as the rape did. Although many victims experience similar reactions, there are still individual differences in how they respond to the aftermath. Some may have an immediate reaction while others may have a delayed reaction weeks or months later. Researchers have identified stages that the victim goes through while suffering the effects of victimization (Abarbanel & Richman, 1990). Initially, they suffer from shock and disbelief feeling numb and dazed and still terrorized (B & H, 1974). The victim"s appearance can be misleading appearing jolted, astonished, sedate and stifled (A & R, 1990). The controlled behavior masks the serious psychological wound that has been endured (A & R, 1990). Expressions of disbelief are most likely a reflection of the hidden inner chaos (A & R, 1990). The victims also go into a denial phase where they refuse to talk about the incident and in some cases, going as far as not even recognizing that anything has happened. Women will sometimes express this stage through their behavior bathing or douching more than usual hoping to wash the rape away (A & R, 1990). The DSM-IV places in its diagnostic criteria many reactions in this stage such conversation and thought avoidance. The dangerous side to this is avoiding reporting the incident to the police or not seeking medical treatment (A & R, 1990).