Reactions to Sexual Assault
Every survivor processes trauma differently. There’s no “right” way to feel after a sexual assault. Some reactions are immediate; others may surface weeks, months, or even years later. The following are common emotional and physical responses survivors may experience:
Emotional Reactions
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Guilt, shame, or self-blame
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Embarrassment
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Fear or difficulty trusting others
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Sadness or depression
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Isolation
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A sense of lost control
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Anger or irritability
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Emotional numbness
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Confusion
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Shock or disbelief
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Denia​
Emotional Reactions
-
Guilt, shame, or self-blame
-
Embarrassment
-
Fear or difficulty trusting others
-
Sadness or depression
-
Isolation
-
A sense of lost control
-
Anger or irritability
-
Emotional numbness
-
Confusion
-
Shock or disbelief
-
Denia​
Every survivor processes trauma differently. There’s no “right” way to feel after a sexual assault. Some reactions are immediate; others may surface weeks, months, or even years later. The following are common emotional and physical responses survivors may experience: