Sexual assault is a violent, coercive or manipulative invasion of privacy and space, and can be a humiliating and terrifying experience. Sometimes people fear for their lives. In other cases, a sexual assault may not seem life threatening or dangerously violent, but still radically affects the survivor in all aspects of life. Sometimes, an assault by an acquaintance feels worse than an assault by a stranger. A person's judgement is called into question and her or his ability to trust is damaged. Survivors may experience a range of effects after an assault, including:

• inability to sleep or concentrate
• fear of going out or of staying home alone
• memories that disrupt work and daily life
• feeling distracted
• lack of appetite; or, wanting to eat all the time
• inability to cry; or, crying all the time
• feeling nervous and energetic; or, having no energy
• inability to trust anyone
• depression
• avoiding friends and family
• physical symptoms of stress
• feeling "dirty"
• having panic attacks
• feeling suicidal
• feeling "crazy"
• feeling helpless
• abusing drugs or alcohol
• feeling worthless
• feeling numb

It is important to know that your feelings are normal, and you may feel some or all of them at different times. These feelings may not seem logical, but they are common to people who have experienced a traumatic event of any kind. Experts call these feelings and symptoms Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For survivors of sexual assault, there is a more specific name: Rape Trauma Syndrome.

While you may feel that you will never be yourself again, the good news is that you can recover. KNowing that what you are feeling is normal and that your experiences are shared by others can help. Talking with people who are supportive about your experiences and feelings can also help the recovery process. Although it may feel difficult to reach out for help at this time, contacting a sexual assault crisis counselor can make a big difference in how you feel.

Everyone recovers at her or his own speed. Sometimes it may feel that you have begun to heal, only to feel worse again. This too is normal.

During your healing, it is important to remember the following:

• The assault was not your fault. No one asks to be raped or assaulted.
• Sexual assault is an act of hostility, power and control- not an overwhelming lust or need for sex.
• Other people may treat you as if you are the guilty one. Often this is an effort to reduce their own fears of being assaulted.
• Being intoxicated is not an excuse for someone to assault you.