Video Description:
How do someone's body and brain respond after they experience the trauma of sexual assault? There has been much scientific advancement in neurobiology in the past decade. This video incorporates that science and examines the symptoms or expressions of a victim's trauma, such as fight-flight-freeze-appease responses, inconsistent statements, or lack of emotion. It also offers guidance and techniques for professionals when responding to or interviewing victims, such as the vital role of sleep, the value of sensory-based questions, and how to normalize trauma symptoms.
Resource Overview and Purpose:
Researchers with the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA) created this video as one in a set of five evidence-based videos as victim-centered resources to enhance coordinated community sexual assault response efforts. These innovative and practical tools build off the successful original Compendium of Resources on Sexual Assault (CORSA) project and support training and education for a broad range of Texas professionals, including municipal and campus law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services professionals, and advocates.
For More Information:
This video complements the additional CORSA and CORSA II resources created by IDVSA, including decision cases and briefing sheets. IDVSA has many resources available on its website: sites.utexas.edu/idvsa/
This project was supported by a grant from the Office of the Texas Governor, Criminal Justice Division (Contract No. 3881901). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of the Texas Governor.
©2021 The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (IDVSA)