Psychological stress reactions of women in Sweden who have been assaulted: Acute response and four-month follow-up

Violence is a global health problem. Women in particular are likely to be targets of violent behavior. This study investigated the reactions of female victims to an individual act of interpersonal violence. A sample of 68 assaulted women registered as injured parties in 2 police districts were assessed for symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 3 weeks and after 4 months. Risk factors for developing psychological distress in the long-term were explored. High rates of ASD symptoms and distress measured with Post Traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10), Impact of Event Scale (IES), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) were reported by the women in the acute phase. Four months post-assault, the high rates of stress reactions measured with PTSS-10, IES, and GHQ-20 were significantly reduced, but not for all the women. Dissatisfaction with one’s previous life, previous mental health problems, post-assault life events and earlier abuse were risk factors for 4 months post-assault stress reactions.