Columbia University Health Services

Every survivor of sexual misconduct responds uniquely to the assault, just as the recovery process is different for each individual. Below is a list of common symptoms that survivors often experience at various points after the sexual assault. This is not a comprehensive list; it is a sampling of common post-rape symptoms.

Physical

• Pain
• Headaches
• Stomach Aches
• Exhaustion
• Hyperactivity
• Feeling lethargic
• Loss of Energy
• Loss or increase of appetite
• Change in sleeping pattern
• Physical injury
• Muscular tension
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Pregnancy 

Emotional 

• Inability to concentrate
• Paranoia
• Fear
• Shock
• Sense of disbelief
• Anger
• Numbness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fear of being alone
• Confusion
• Denial
• Embarrassment
• Humiliation
• Powerlessness
• Guilt
• Shame
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Despair
• Low self-esteem
• Sad
• Vulnerability
• Flashbacks 

Mental 

• Maybe it was my fault
• What will people think?
• He/She didn’t mean it
• Will people blame me?
• Will they reject me?
• Why did this happen to me?
• Am I damaged goods?
• What if I had or hadn’t done…?
• He/she owes me an apology
• Why did he/she do this?
• If I forget about it, it will go away
• I want to confront this person
• I am scared to be around this person

Social 

• Withdrawal
• Afraid to be alone
• Uncomfortable around other people
• Afraid/nervous in crowds
• Difficulty trusting others
• Hypersensitive when relating to others
• Afraid to leave the house (especially alone)
• Less productive
• Difficult time relaxing
• Disruptions with sexual relations
• Difficulties/apprehension around men, especially if they look like the assailant

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Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP) provides comprehensive and integrated education, support and advocacy about sexual and relationship violence. The program supports survivors and fosters individual and collective action to end sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program.

The Barnard Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center provides peer counseling and advocacy services for survivors and co-survivors of sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center.

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