FAQ: If You Are an Assault Survivor

An assault is a violent, life-threatening situation. When you were assaulted, you faced death. Even if you were not seriously or permanently injured during the assault, you had to deal with the possibility of death and fears of leaving loved ones behind. These and other aspects of the assault can have a great emotional impact on you, immediately and in the long term.

You may have many feelings about, thoughts about, and reactions to what has happened-from shock that this could happen to guilt about not being able to prevent it. You may feel that others believe the crime was somehow your fault. You also may feel humiliated or rejected by family members or acquaintances.

No one has the right to assault another person, regardless of how angry the attacker is or whether the attacker feels the victim has somehow wronged him or her. Even if you knew your attacker, the assault was not your fault.

You may feel angry at the attacker or the police and court system for not doing enough about the assault. You may be fearful that you could be assaulted again. You may have nightmares or flashbacks about the assault. You may find that you startle more easily at little noises or abrupt movements. You also may be disturbed by new feelings of vulnerability and loss of control similar to what you felt during the assault.

How victims react to assault varies from person to person. Your reaction may be immediate or delayed. Although you may feel as if you are the only one experiencing these feelings-and that no one else understands what you are going through-your reactions are normal. Some feelings may subside within a few days, while others may continue for some time or resurface after being triggered by another event. It is important for you to deal with your emotions at your own pace and in your own way. Just as everyone reacts to a crisis differently, not everyone copes with the consequences of crisis in the same way or within the same timeframe.

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