Page 124 of Prey for You

Derek smiled. My hackles rose.

“Your Honor, at this time, we move to qualify Doctor Ramsay as an expert in the field of forensic psychology and sexual trauma, and request that she be permitted to offer expert testimony in this case.”

The Judge nodded. “The court recognizes Doctor Ramsay as an expert in Forensic Psychology and sexual trauma. She may testify as such.”

At first I thought they were going to hit the hammer ofisn’t this sexual kink stuff gross?And I knew that a person’s response to that would be entirely dependent on their own tastes and experiences. But then…

“Doctor, can you please explain to the jury how your research has established that a woman who is being exploited—or harmed—might find sexual gratification in the act?”

“Certainly.” She shifted in her seat so she was facing the jury more, folded her hands in her lap, and proceeded to turn me into a nutcase, and Sam into a predator.

“There are several different reasons why a woman could eitherappearto enjoy a sexual experience with a predator, or be convinced that they do, despite it being clinically understood as traumatic or destructive.

“The first is something most people have heard of before: We all have a survival instinct that kicks in as part of our natural reflexes when our lives are in danger—or we perceive that they are. Most people have heard the term, “Fight or flight,” meaning that a person who is afraid will often react either by fleeing, or fighting. But there are two other possible reactions, and one of those has been termedfawning.It means to attempt to please, or soothe the person who is frightening you. A person who is fawning will become very compliant and agreeable—often even offering comfort or reassurance to the very person who is harming them. This isn’t a logical thought process. But an instinctive reaction and is particularly prevalent in women who’ve experienced violence in the home as children.

“We also have a well-established, historic awareness of Stockholm Syndrome, though it is often misunderstood. It is usually observed in people—both male and female—who’ve been in hostage situations, long-term abuse, or even involved in cults. In short, the victim develops an attachment—or even loyalty—to the perpetrator of crimes against them. We see this particularly where it is perceived that the perpetrator has been a protector of some kind.”

And then Jeremy fuckinglooked at me.

Turned his head, right there, and stared.

If we hadn’t been in open court, I would have slapped him again.

I was shaking. I turned to meet his gaze andglared.I shook my head twice, then turned back. But my chest was tying up in knots because I suddenly understood what our team was doing. And it meant they wouldcompletelyundermine any good I’d done for Sam in my testimony.

I wanted to weep.

“…we also see what is commonly termed,trauma bonding. Again, it’s often misunderstood, but we see it again and again in abusive relationships with manipulators who understand how to place psychological pressure on a weaker mind. The condition is quite complex, but to simplify as much as possible, it is observed when the victim comes to believe that only the perpetrator truly understands them. Or perhaps it would be better phrased, the perpetrator is the only person with whom they can be completely authentic—because the perpetrator is “in it” with them. In the victim’s mind, they share intimate secrets that would turn others against them, so they protect each other. At its core, it’s a manipulative tactic, exploiting the victim’s need to convince themselves that they’re safe. But you can see how it would easily be twisted in a mind that is already injured.”

“Stop fucking staring at me, Jeremy,” I hissed under my breath. He finally turned away, but I was shaking. I wassoangry, andsodiscouraged.

They couldn’t do this. They couldn’t paint us like this!

“You said there were four ways a person might decide that this kind of relationship was… one they wanted?” Derek asked calmly.

The Doctor nodded and smiled at him. Ihatedher.

“Yes, the last is a touch more difficult to explain but it is calledcoercive control… Essentially, a victim is so deeply afraid, or so deeply wounded, they begin to lose the ability to think or make decisionsexcept those they believe their controller will accept.Sometimes their mind creates a reality in which the controller isn’t dangerous. That allows them to tell themselves they aren’t at risk. But even those with a conscious knowledge that they don’t like what’s happening, or don’t want to remain close to the abuser, will speak as if they do, protect their abuser even when that person isn’t present, and make choices even when they are alone that reflect what their abuser would want.”

Derek frowned like he found this very disturbing. So did most of the jury.

“So, in a case of domestic violence, or threats of violence… your testimony is that a person might arguefortheir abuser?”

“Yes. And even actively hide their abuse, or cover it up for the perpetrator.”

“Why would they do that?”

The Doctor looked very professional and concerned as she spoke to the jury. “Because their fear of their abuser is greater than their fear of—or love for—anything, or anyone else. That person has such a grip on their mind, they are quite literally controlled. I’ve seen victims have panic attacks over choices like which clothes to wear in situations where they felt their abuser would disagree withalloptions.

“Usually those who reach this state have been conditioned through ongoing, extensive interactions to believe that even if the abuser isn’t present, they willknowthe victim has betrayed them, or learn of it, and that the consequences of that occurring are so much worse than what the victim experiences elsewhere, they come to see protection or loyalty to their abuser as protection of themselves.”

Derek made a thinking expression. I wanted to smack it off his face.

“Doctor, tell me… is it possible for a person to have been conditioned in the past—say by a parent or someone powerful in their childhood—and through that, come toseek outnew abusers or perpetrators? Perhaps even find that kind of abuse… arousing?”

“Absolutely. I have published more than one paper on the subject. And we’re also beginning to establish links between women who were abused as children seeking boyfriends and husbands who replicate their experiences, or watching pornography that reflects those experienceswhen they’re alone.”

“And might any of these conditions you’ve described mold a young woman’s sexual appetite as they grow into adulthood?”

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