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Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

Reactions to Sexual Assault

Being sexually assaulted can be a traumatic and frightening experience. Your sense of security and self-worth may be violated. Your feelings, relationships, and activities may be seriously affected. It is important to note that each individual responds and deals with crisis in different ways. Some of those feelings might include:

Fear

Depression

Anxiety

Anger

Confusion

Self-Blame

Guilt

Revenge

Shame

Embarassment

Humiliation

 

 

Victims and survivors may experience these feelings in a variety of ways:

  • You might express these feelings by crying, sobbing, being restless or tense, or you may mask those feelings and present a calm, compose and subdued extrerior.
  • You might be uncomfortable around people or certain people, or you may not want to be alone at all.
  • You may not be able sleep, or you may sleep too much. You may have unsettling dreams.
  • You may be preocuppied and have a difficult time concentrating.
  • You may have minor health problems.
  • You may feel like you want to change something about your living situation.
  • Trauma also affects and is affected by your relatioships. Family and friends may also have strong or uncomfortable feelings.
  • It is important for you, your family, and friends to understand that your feelings are normal, acceptable and important.
  • You may wish to express your feelings to a trusted friend or counselor. Those close to you may want to talk about their feelings as well. Good counseling can help you settle the experience, clear the confusion, and help avoid later emotional pain.

 

It is normal for you to have strange or uncomfortable feelings following a traumatic experience. These feelings may subside for a period of time and then flare up again. Your healing process is uniquely your own.

 

What is Sexual Assault? | FAQ's About Sexual Assault | Facts and Statistics | WA State Rape Laws | Reactions to Sexual Assault | How DVSAS Can Help |