Response to Trauma

Responses and Reactions to Sexual Assault

Trauma is the body and mind’s response to an event, experience, or series of events that is deeply distressing or disturbing. Sexual assault is one of many events that trigger the mind and body’s trauma response, but everyone responds to trauma differently. There is no right or wrong response.

Common Reactions to Sexual Assault

Fight
You may have screamed, kicked, scratched

Freeze
You may have experienced “tonic immobility,’’ which left you unable to yell, move, or run

You may have experienced “disassociation,” a coping strategy in which the mind disconnects from the body

Fawn
You may have said and done what the offender wanted and even complimented the offender out of fear

You did what you had to do to survive, and no matter how you reacted, what you did/said, how you were dressed, or where you were, no one deserves to be sexually assaulted.

Common Emotional Responses

Mood swings, angry outbursts, uncontrollable crying
Numbness and a refusal to acknowledge the event
Feelings of sadness, guilt, or shame
Fear, anxiety, or depression

You May

Be unable to sleep or maintain focus
Experience unwanted memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Withdraw from friends and family
Experience changes in your eating habits
Fear being left alone
Avoid people, places, or situations that remind you of the assault
Experience a change in your relationship with your romantic partner
Feel the need to change your routine and/or where you work, live, go to school

Strategies for Healing and Coping with Trauma

If your symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, please seek professional help. You may be experiencing PTSD.
Identify sources of support like family, friends, and/or pets
Get plenty of rest
Engage in things that bring you comfort
Take baths, read, meditate, draw/paint, write, cook
Try a new hobby or activity
Exercise regularly
Engage in physical activities like hiking or gardening
Speak regularly with a therapist or counselor