After a sexual assault, the emotional impact can be just as serious—and in many cases, longer lasting—than any physical injuries. Our compassionate Savannah, GA sexual assault victim lawyer knows that survivors often deal with a wide range of responses that can feel overwhelming or confusing. These reactions are not a sign of weakness or failure. They are normal responses to a traumatic event.
No two people experience trauma in exactly the same way, but there are patterns we commonly see among survivors. It’s important to talk about these responses so survivors and their loved ones can better understand what’s happening and know when to reach out for support. When you are ready to move forward with a legal team that hears you and will stand by you, call us to set up a free consultation.
Shock And Numbness
Immediately after an assault, it’s common for survivors to feel numb, detached, or disoriented. This kind of emotional shutdown is a natural response. It’s the body and mind trying to protect themselves from something deeply painful. Some people might have trouble recalling details of the event right away, or may feel like it didn’t happen to them at all. Others might go through the motions of daily life without fully connecting to what’s around them.
Fear And Anxiety
Many survivors develop intense fear after an assault—fear of being alone, fear of going out in public, or fear that they’ll be attacked again. Nightmares, panic attacks, or general anxiety are all common. These feelings can surface at any time, even long after the assault occurred. It’s also common to feel jumpy or on edge, especially in crowded places or unfamiliar situations.
Shame And Guilt
Survivors often blame themselves for what happened, even when it’s completely unwarranted. They might ask themselves what they could have done differently or struggle with feelings of embarrassment or humiliation. Shame and guilt can prevent people from talking about the assault, seeking help, or pursuing legal action. It’s important to remember that the responsibility always lies with the person who committed the act—not the survivor.
Anger And Irritability
Anger is another natural response to trauma. Survivors may feel anger toward the person who hurt them, toward people who didn’t protect them, or even toward themselves. This anger can come out in different ways—through mood swings, irritability, or outbursts. It can also be directed inward, contributing to depression or withdrawal from others.
Sadness And Depression
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness are also common. Some survivors lose interest in things they used to enjoy, or struggle to sleep or eat. In more serious cases, they may have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression doesn’t always show up right away—it can develop over time, especially if the survivor doesn’t feel supported or believed.
Disrupted Relationships
After an assault, it can be difficult to trust others. Survivors may pull away from friends, family, or partners, or find it hard to connect emotionally. Some may feel isolated or misunderstood, especially if others don’t know how to respond. Support systems are important, but they need to be patient and nonjudgmental.
At Deitch + Rogers, we know how much strength it takes for survivors to speak out. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault and you believe legal action may be appropriate, we’re here to help. We have worked with victims of sexual assault for more than 40 years. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your options. You don’t have to go through this alone.