Common Responses

Sexual assault is a serious crime, and victimization can cause serious trauma. There is no “normal” response to sexual trauma; however, some common responses are listed below:

Responses:

Numbness
Shock and disbelief
Feeling of being on an “emotional rollercoaster”
Confusion, fear, terror
Avoidance
Depression, anger
Dissociative responses
Nightmares/sleep disorders
Flashbacks
Somatic and Physical aftereffects
Spiritual crises
PTSD
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleeping, sleeping more or less