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People who have been sexually
assaulted often experience a broad range of emotional, physical and
behavioral reactions. Although not everyone has these experiences, some
people feel: betrayed, different, angry, guilty, self-blaming, shamed,
embarrassed, fearful, unclean and used. Each victim/survivor will respond
differently to the assault. At times these reactions can result in the
inability to concentrate, difficulty in trusting his/her own judgment
and the intentions of others, and difficulty in developing intimate
relationships. Physical reactions may include changes in sleep patterns,
lack of appetite and nausea, and generalized pain and discomfort
throughout his/her body. Behavioral changes include fear of being alone
or in crowds, fear of leaving home, and fear of other people.
Sometimes memories of
the assault are blocked for days or even years, and then something will
act as a trigger and bring the memory flooding back making it seem as if
the assault just happened. All of these responses are normal and common.
Help is available at
SAS/CVA. All counseling services are free and
confidential.
Back to Sexual Violence, Assault, and Rape page
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