Impact of a sexual assault
Your body and mind will respond to
the violence and trauma. Every survivor reacts differently, but there are some
common, normal reactions. You may respond in an emotional, expressive manner,
or you may respond in a controlled, subdued, yet numb manner. You may experience
being emotional at some times, subdued or numb at others.
If an assault is reported within
72 hours of its occurrence, the Pima County Attorney's office will pay for
the collection of evidence exam. You may be responsible for payment for any
medication given and any additional medical treatment administered.
You may recognize some changes
in yourself. Family, friends, and co-workers may also notice changes in you
but they will not know what has happened, unless you decide to tell them.
You may not experience all of the
following effects, nor will you experience them in any particular order or
at any particular time. Given time and support from your family, friends,
and counselor, these effects will diminish:
- Feeling dirty
- Fear of disbelief by others,
of being alone, of the return of the assailant
- Increased anxiety for your personal
and medical safety
- Difficulty coping with your
daily activities
- Frequent memories or unconscious
blocking of memories of the incident
- Changes in eating and sleeping
habits
- Mood swings and feelings of
anger
- Increased body aches, headaches,
muscle cramps, tension
- Disruption of family and intimate
relationships
- Loss of trust in self and others
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Loss of self-esteem and self-confidence
- Nightmares and phobias related
to the assault
YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF...
No one chooses to be sexually assaulted.
During an assault, control over your body was taken from you. The following
are some strategies that may help you regain a sense of safety and control:
- Stay with family or friends
for a few days
- Take time off from your work
or school to care for yourself physically and emotionally
- Express your feelings in a safe
way such as writing, drawing, exercise, punching pillows, screaming in the
shower, etc.
- Be patient with yourself. You've
suffered a severe trauma. You need time, love, support, and the courage
to heal.
- Your loved ones may be feeling
confused and scared. They may not know what to say or how to react. Be direct
about telling them what you need or don't need from them.
The Southern Arizona Center Against
Sexual Assault provides support to you and your loved ones during recovery:
- 24-hour crisis hotline
- Individual, couple, and group
counseling
- Bilingual/bicultural staff and
volunteers
- Referrals to other social service
agencies as appropriate
- Sexual Assault Resource Service
evidence collection exam and advocacy
- 24-hour law enforcement advocacy
Please don't go through this alone!
Return
to Top
