Common Reactions to Rape and Sexual Violence
After a sexual assault, survivors often feel overwhelmed by a flood of emotion. While each person
reacts differently to rape and sexual
assault, there are some common reactions shared by many
survivors. These reactions may appear, then disappear, then reappear again at a
later time.
All of these reactions are normal and may eventually subside over time as the
person heals. There is no one
way a survivor should act or behave. Some
survivors react calmly to the assault; others show little emotion; others cry; others laugh
nervously.
Each of us responds differently to trauma and loss.
- nausea or loss of appetite
- sleeplessness, nightmares, or waking in the night
- soreness in areas of assault, aches and pains
- fear of being alone
- fear of being in crowds
- fear of anything that reminds them of the assault or assailant
- fear of people finding out and what they will think
- general nervousness
- anger
- guilt and self-blame, feeling like they should have been able to prevent the assault or
that they did something to cause it
- embarrassment
- mood swings
- crying, depression, becoming silent and withdrawn
- disruptions of normal way of relating to people or daily routine of work or school
- disruptions of normal sexual style
- desire to move, get away, change job or school
- denial of what happened
- being unable to stop reliving the experience
- loss of trust in oneself and others
- feelings of betrayal
- feelings of worthlessness
Survivors may have reactions to their rape on or around the anniversary of the assault. This
is normal.