Common Reactions to Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence is a traumatic experience, meaning it lives in the body and the feelings, not just in the rational brain.

While everyone has their own unique set of reactions to trauma, we often see it presenting in common ways across these four categories:

Emotions

  • Anxiety/worry
  • Overwhelm
  • Guilt/shame
  • Sadness/depression
  • Fear/panic
  • Angry
  • Helpless
  • Irritability
  • Grief
  • Disgust

Body

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Sleep disruption
  • Trouble eating
  • Easily startled/jumpy
  • Chronic pain
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Crying
  • Tension

Brain

  • Difficulty processing
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fragmented memory
  • Racing thoughts
  • Self-consciousness
  • Suicidal thoughts

Behaviours

  • Withdrawing/isolation
  • Avoidance
  • Increased substance use
  • Change in routine
  • Change in appearance
  • Self-injury
  • Withdrawing from intimacy
  • Pursuing intimacy