Behavioral Responses
Survivors have taught us that their behaviors may change as a response to sexual assault and that these behaviors are 'normal' given what they have experienced. If you find that some or all of the below behaviors are troublesome to you, affecting the quality of your life or have remained 30 days or more after your assualt, you may want to consider getting help from a sexual assault counselor or other professional.
You are never alone, there are many people who are here to support and help you through your healing process.
- Crying more than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being restless, agitated, unable to relax or feeling listless and unmotivated
- Self-isolating or hyper-socializing (to fill every minute of the day)
- Not wanting to be alone
- Stuttering or stammering more than usual
- Avoiding anything that reminds survivor of the rape
- Easily frightened or startled
- Being very alert and watchful (called hyper-vigilance)
- Becoming easily upset by small things
- Relationship problems with family, friends, partners (due to increased irritability, withdrawal, dependence)
- Fear of sex, loss of interest in sex or loss of sexual pleasure
- Abrupt changes in lifestyle
- Complete denial of the rape
- Increased substance use/abuse not before present (self-medicating)
- Increased washing/bathing
- Contradictory response to situations(laugh when sad/cry when happy)
