According to a study done in 1981, adolescent rape victims expressed fears for their safety, and 59 percent shared feelings of shame. Irrational fears of bodily injuries were expressed by 48 percent of the victims, and anger, considered a common reaction by both parents and victims, was expressed by 45 percent of the victims and 67 percent of the parents. Many of the parents felt their children's risky behavior was responsible for the attack and their greatest concern secondary to the assault was the possibility of pregnancy. The parents viewed the crime as sexual reflecting society's attitude toward rape. In contrast, the victims perceived the act as violent. Communication problems occurred between parent and teenager after a rape. Some victims experienced rejection, anger, or overprotectiveness from their parents and many of the parents suffered from behavioral changes including sleep and eating disturbances. Support and intervention is necessary for the parent to cope with somatic as well as emotional issues. Recommendations for parents to help the victims recover include encouragement to discuss the trauma openly, or, if the subject is too difficult for them, they should provide their child with professional counseling. The victim should resume daily activities as soon as possible. 10 references