Sexual assault is a traumatic event. Most victims will develop a range of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Sexual assault can produce physical and emotional responses or unwelcome thoughts from ‘out of the blue’. You may feel emotions and sensations you have never experienced before. You might have a range of physical symptoms, not all of which seem related to the assault. You might find yourself ‘spacing out’ as a way of coping. You might have flashbacks, when memories of the assault come up without warning, and you may have nightmares and trouble sleeping.
As strange as it may seem, these are normal reactions to traumatic events. You are not ‘going crazy.’ These experiences are painful and unpleasant but normal after a traumatic experience, and will usually improve and pass in time.
Not every survivor of sexual assault will experience all the following effects, but most will recognise one or more of them. The sooner any of these impacts can be addressed, the less likely they are to cause long-term problems. Click on the link to find out more information.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre acknowledges that we conduct our work on the lands of the Ngunnawal & Ngambri People, Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region. We pay respect to First Nations Peoples and Elders past and present throughout the nation. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities, and acknowledge that lands were never ceded.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
P.O Box 3805,
WESTON CREEK, ACT 2611
Admin & Business Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email crcc@crcc.org.au
Crisis Support & Services Information:
Crisis Phone Line (02) 6247 2525
Crisis Text Contact Only 0488 586 518
Crisis Email Contact crisis@crcc.org.au
Community Education & Training Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email cep@crcc.org.au
CRCC is committed to excellence in service provision, intersectional feminism, access & equity, diversity & inclusion.
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