I am a survivor

Healing after a sexual assault can be a complex process. You have your own way of coping, but it’s also important to know that some feelings and thoughts after an assault are to be expected and many survivors share them. Feelings and thoughts about a sexual assault can bother you even if it happened a long time ago. 

You might be feeling:

  • Distrust: It may take a while to feel like you can trust people again. If you were assaulted by someone you know, you may question your judgment about people. If you were assaulted by a stranger, you may distrust the world.

    “I didn’t think that I would ever go on a date again. What I realize now is that I can date, but I plan for my safety a lot more consciously than I did before.”

  • Loss of control: Sexual assault robs you of control over your body, so afterwards, survivors often feel powerless. An important part of healing is feeling that you have choices, and they will be respected.

    “My parents did not know what to do to help me. After about a year of awkwardness, I asked if we could have a designated time each week to talk about the prosecution of my case. It felt great to know and say what I needed.”

  • Fear:  Sexual assault is frightening, and it is normal to feel scared. Some survivors are especially scared at night or in places like the one in which they were abused or assaulted.

    “My goal at the beginning of the support group was to be able to sleep with my lights off. I did it. It wasn’t easy but I did it.”

Read more about common reactions.

You can call our 24-hour hotline and speak to someone right now about any of these reactions and feelings.

Our counseling services can help you with any feelings and reactions that you may be having. 


© Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (BARCC)