Sexual abuse

Feelings after an assault

Every person who has been sexually abused or raped recovers in their own time and in their own way. Some people experience reactions to the assault immediately, while others may take weeks or even years to feel the impact of what happened. While every person who has experienced sexual violence reacts differently, some common reactions include:

Mood swings

You might feel calm and in control one minute, and uneasy and upset the next. Your moods may feel out of control. This is a normal way for people to deal with shock. Practical things like your performance at work or school may be affected. 

Physical effects

You might lose your appetite. You may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You might also develop genital irritations. You may be particularly vulnerable to getting colds or the flu. Such physical effects are your body’s way of dealing with stress.

Flashbacks

You might re-experience images or memories associated with the assault. Smells, sights and sounds associated with what happened may stay with you for some time. 

Depression

This can be a reaction to the assault itself or to other people’s responses to your way of dealing with it.  A depressed mood may present as feelings of sadness, irritability, agitation or hopelessness.  

   Low self-esteem

You may not like yourself, or you may feel angry with yourself for the assault or the way you have reacted to it. You may feel confused and dislike your body.

Anger

You may find yourself lashing out at people and feeling angry a lot of the time.

Disbelief

You may find it hard to believe what has happened to you. This feeling may last for some time.

Self harm

You may start to hurt yourself in a wide range of ways. Get help if you start to over use alcohol, substances or think about hurting yourself or others.

Remember that ACC provides fully funded support for people who have been sexually assaulted. This is through their sensitive claims contract. Contact us if you would like more information, or check the ACC website www.findsupport.co.nz.