Survivors of rape and sexual assault
People of every age, race or religious background are raped or sexually assaulted. No matter where you were, what you were doing, what you were wearing, what you were saying, if you were drunk or under the influence of drugs, you did not deserve this. The responsibility always lies with the attacker, not you.
Feelings you may experience
If you have been attacked recently you may be in shock. This can mean that you are feeling numb, unemotional, be in total disbelief, be crying, shaking, laughing or physically being sick.
You may feel to blame and responsible for what has happened.
You may be finding it difficult to cope with day-to-day life
You may be feeling angry, irritable and be short-tempered with those close to you.
You may be having nightmares or experiencing difficulties sleeping
You may feel dirty and ashamed about what has happened.
You may be afraid e.g. of people, places, being on your own
You may feel suicidal
You may be experiencing relationship or sexual difficulties
Everyone reacts differently. Whatever you are feeling is a normal response to what has happened.
People cope in different ways…
Some cope by self-harming e.g. cutting, burning, scrubbing or by using drugs (illegal or prescribed) and / or alcohol, or by trying to forget and completely block out the memory of what has happened
You must remember that you did not ask for this to happen to you.
Many of our clients found that speaking about their experience, although sometimes very difficult and painful, helped them come to terms with what had happened. Speak to someone you can trust or contact us.
For more information visit our Help Centre
