Letter: Rape trauma

Sir: Remarks attributed to Professor Joan Freeman ("Years of trauma for rape victims", 30 December) are factually incorrect. Long- term psychological disorder is not an inevitable consequence of rape. Not all rape victims feel guilty. Children are not necessarily more resilient than adults. Treatment does not have to be given daily for a year.

These comments can only further depress women who are coping with the consequences of sexual assault, and dissuade them from seeking the effective and relatively brief treatments which are available.

Dr JAMES THOMPSON

Director, Traumatic Stress Clinic

London W1