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