North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Chronic constipation or diarrhea can be a physical reaction of a victim to what kind of incident?

1. Mugging

2. Sexual assault

3. Robbery

4. Burglary

The correct answer is: Sexual assault

Chronic constipation or diarrhea can be a physical reaction of a victim in response to sexual assault due to the intense emotional and psychological trauma associated with such an event. Sexual assault often triggers extreme stress, anxiety, and fear, which can manifest in various physical symptoms including gastrointestinal disturbances. The body's stress response can disrupt normal digestive functions, leading to issues like constipation or diarrhea. In contrast, while incidents such as mugging, robbery, or burglary can also cause stress and fear, the specific emotional and physical responses may differ based on the nature of the crime. Sexual assault is uniquely characterized by violations of personal and bodily autonomy, often resulting in profound psychological impacts that can influence physical health in this particular way.