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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

  • 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​

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:

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