SEXUAL ASSAULT
COMMON REACTIONS
While there is not one particular response to experiencing a sexual assault, there are numerous reactions that are common. Many survivors of sexual assault have found support and encouragement in talking with other survivors to see how they reacted to their own assault experience. Below is a list of common reactions to sexual assault that may help you understand your experience and know what to expect
| Physical Reactions |
Trouble Sleeping |
I toss and turn
throughout much of the night.
I can't sleep because I have nightmares |
Nightmares |
When I do fall asleep, I
have nightmares about being assaulted or in danger |
Headaches |
I've noticed that I'm
getting headaches more often than I normal do |
Loss of Appetite |
I know I need to eat,
but I just haven't felt hungry anymore |
Overeating |
I think I've been eating
more than usual. Sometimes it seems to make me feel better |
Stomach Problems |
My stomach feels like
it's in knots and I feel nauseous. |
Muscle Tension |
What is wrong with me? I
can just be sitting around and I notice that I've been clenching
the muscles in my jaw, back, or neck |
| Emotional Reactions |
Emotional Shock |
I feel so numb. Why am I so calm? Why can't I cry? |
Disbelief |
Did it really happen? Why me? Maybe I just made it
up. |
Embarrassment |
What will people think? I can't tell my family or
friends. |
Loss of Appetite |
I know I need to eat,
but I just haven't felt hungry anymore |
Shame |
I feel so dirty, like there is something wrong with
me. I want to wash my hands or shower all the time. |
Guilt |
I feel as if it's my fault, or I did something to
cause this. If only I had... |
Depression |
How am I going to get through this semester? I'm so
tired. I feel so helpless. Maybe I'd be better off dead. |
Powerlessness |
Will I ever feel in control again? |
Flashbacks |
I keep having flashbacks, like I'm still re-living
it. I keep seeing the assault in my mind and I can't stop it. |
Denial |
It's no big deal. It wasn't really a "rape." |
Fear |
I'm scared of everything. What if I'm pregnant?
Could I get an STD, or even AIDS? How will I ever feel safe again?
I'm afraid I'm going
crazy. |
Anger |
I want to hurt or kill the person who attacked me. |
Irritability |
I'm just so easily
annoyed by everyone and everything. I keep snapping at people. |
| Social Reactions |
Fear of being in public
or in social situations |
I'm having panic attacks, where I feel like I can't
breathe. I just can't stop shaking. It's hard for me to sit still
in class. I feel overwhelmed. |
Withdrawing from Friends |
I don't want anyone to
know what happened to me. |
Difficulty Trusting
Others |
I feel violated. How
will I ever trust people again? |
Romantic Difficulties |
My boyfriend/girlfriend
wants to be physically intimate, but I just feel like I can't. I
just don't want to be touched. |
Overeating |
I think I've been eating
more than usual. Sometimes it seems to make me feel better |
Stomach Problems |
My stomach feels like
it's in knots and I feel nauseous. |
Muscle Tension |
What is wrong with me? I
can just be sitting around and I notice that I've been clenching
the muscles in my jaw, back, or neck |
| Academic Reactions |
Lack of Concentration |
When I sit down to read
or am in class, my mind wonders to thinking about other things. |
Impaired Memory |
I don't even know what day it is, or what class I'm
supposed to be in. I can't remember my appointments. I keep
forgetting things. |
Missing Classes |
People probably think I
am a slacker, but I just can't get myself to class lately. |
Lack of Motivation |
My homework is piling
up, but I don't even care right now. |
To schedule an appointment you can call 410-704-2512 or stop by the Counseling Center Reception Desk in the Glen Esk Building. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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