How Sexual Assault Can Affect You

Survivors of sexual assault react to their experiences in many different ways. There are many feelings and experiences that survivors seem to have, and we share them with you to give you an idea of what to expect. If you have not experienced any of these, it does not mean there is something wrong with how you are healing from the assault. The feelings you experience are part of the healing process. Everyone’s experience is different.

Your feelings

Sexual assault is an act of power and control. When you were assaulted, you were without power during the assault. It is natural to feel frightened and powerless after what you have experienced. You may:

• Feel a loss of control over your life
• Feel a sense of shock and disbelief
• Have difficulty concentrating
• Go through a period of acting as if nothing happened (after the initial shock is over)
• Be fearful and feel unsafe

There is no “right” way to heal from sexual assault. Each person will have her/his own unique process and will heal in her/his own time and way. Some people have no reactions until a couple of weeks after the assault, while others experience reactions immediately. There are some common symptoms you may experience:

Your sexuality

Sexual assault can also affect your sexuality. One of the consequences of rape or sexual assault is anxiety about sex. Sexual anxieties and difficulties are common after sexual assault, but they are often only temporary. Be patient! You can overcome the fear with understanding and sensitivity from your partner or significant other. Your response is to a great extent dependent on your past sexual experiences and feelings and those of your current or future sexual partner.

You may experience some of these sexual difficulties:

• Low level or lack of sexual desire
• Fear of being rejected
• Not being able to reach orgasm
• Difficulties caused by physical injuries
• Disliking certain positions or sexual acts
• Repeated flashbacks of the assault
• Inability to relax or enjoy sex
• Worries about your partner’s thoughts
• Fear of involvement in new relationships

Remember, you did not cause this crime in any way. You did not deserve to be treated this way and what happened is not your fault. Offenders sexually assault others to gain power and control. Your actions did not “make” them act the way they did. Take whatever steps you need to recover from the assault.

For support, talk to your partner, family, friends, an advocate at a sexual assault crisis center, or call the Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238(v/tty).