Common Reactions to Sexual Assault
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Common reactions of a survivor
- Common reactions of friends and family
While each survivor's situation and circumstances are unique, there are some characteristics that appear to be common among survivors of sexual assault. Experiencing some or several of the effects listed below is very normal. The survivor has suffered serious trauma. There is nothing wrong with someone who does not experience the trauma within a certain time limit or who experiences different effects than those listed. This list is only intended to give the survivor and their loved ones an idea of what they may experience.
A Survivor of Sexual Assault May Experience:
The survivor may experience some, all or none of the reactions listed in the following categories:
Common Physical Effects
- Pain and Soreness
- Injuries
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
Common Psychological and Emotional Effects
- Shock/Denial
- Irritability/Anger
- Sadness and Grief
- Social Withdrawal
- Numbing/Apathy (detachment, loss of caring)
- Reduced ability to express emotions
- Exaggerated feelings/Overwhelming emotions
- Nightmares/Flashbacks
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Diminished interest in activities or sex
- Loss of self-esteem
- Loss of security/ Loss in trust of others
- Guilt/Shame/Embarrassment
- Impaired memory
- Mind tends to drift off
- Loss of appetite
- Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide and death)
- Substance abuse
Common Physiological Effects:
- Hyper-vigilance (always “on guard”)
- Sleep pattern disturbances, insomnia
- Easily Startled/Jumpiness
- Panic attacks
- Eating disorders or problems (over or under eating)
- Sexual dysfunction
Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS)
Survivors may have several reactions to sexual assault. These reactions may be symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS).
RTS has two phases:
- Acute/Immediate Phase - survivor's lifestyle is disrupted by the crisis
- Long-term Phase - survivor recognizes this disruption in their lifestyle
Common Reactions for the Family and Friends of Survivors
It is normal for family and friends to feel confused, upset and angry, and to experience many of the same responses as a survivor. At a time when you want most to help the survivor through this crisis, you will be dealing with a crisis of your own.
The following reactions are commonly experienced by friends and family members or sexual assault survivors:
- Blaming the Survivor - wishing that the survivor could have prevented it
- Finding it difficult to listen when the survivor needs to talk
- Trying to “make” the survivor talk when she/he is not ready
- Being tempted to make decisions for the survivor
- Being over-protective
- Trying to hide the assault from others, or telling others about the assault without the survivor’s permission
- Trying to resolve the crisis quickly, to “fix it” or expect them to "get over it"
It is essential for every survivor to regain a sense of control over her/his life, and this is why the survivor must be allowed to make their own decisions. Not understanding the reality of sexual assault can make the crisis more difficult for you and the survivor. Learn more about Sexual Assault at www.taasa.org.
*Excerpted from www.taasa.org
There are many resources about the impact of sexual assault on victims Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) and Rape Victim Advocates are helpful places to begin.
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