For Survivors of Sexual Assault: Common Reactions to Sexual Assault

Have you experienced sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual violence is a traumatic violation of the body, mind and spirit. It profoundly affects a person’s health and well-being.

Each person reacts in a unique way to sexual violence.  Whether one experiences some or none of these feelings, each reaction is normal for each person. There is no right or wrong way to cope or feel after experiencing sexual violence.

The following responses are experienced by many survivors of sexual assault or abuse:

• A survivor's self-esteem often diminishes after an assault or abuse. Frequently she feels shamed, humiliated, guilty, angry, and powerless
• Her attitude toward her body may be negatively affected.  She may feel ugly, ashamed, or embarrassed by her body
• She may experience physical symptoms of stress – for example, headaches, stomach problems, eating and sleeping problems
• She may feel anxieties, depression, shame, anger/rage or fear
• She may feel lowered self-esteem, shock, disbelief
• She may feel disconnected from self and others
• She may feel frozen or numb
• She may feel loss or grief
• She may have erratic mood swings
• She may feel hyper-alertness
• She may use alcohol or drugs to numb or cope with her feelings
• She may use alcohol or drugs to numb or cope with her memories
• She may cut, burn or scratch herself  to numb or cope with her feelings
• She  may find it difficult to trust others
• She may find it difficult to be emotionally close with others
• She may not want sexual intimacy for some time
• Oppositely, she may engage in risky sexual behaviors
• She may feel that sexual activity is meaningless or empty
• She may become aggressive, angry or withdrawn
• She may experience flashbacks of the incident(s)
• She may experience fear of being alone and fear of future attacks
• She may experience nightmares or other sleep disturbances
• She may not be able to concentrate. This can affect academic or job performance

Remember that responses to sexual assault vary, and can change over time.  Keep in mind that a survivor of sexual assault may experience a variety of different emotions and may cope in a variety of ways. This is normal.  Every person is unique.

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