Ōtepoti Collective Against Sexual Abuse (ŌCASA)
03-474 1592
Dunbar House, 21 Dunbar Street Dunedin
9AM - 5PM - Weekdays
What You Need To Know
It is not your fault. You are not alone. We believe you.
Effects of Sexual Violence
After experiencing sexual violence, a survivor may have many varying emotional reactions, such as:
A survivor may also experience reactions, such as:
These reactions are common. Acknowledging and expressing them can be part of the healing process.
There is also no time limit on a survivors healing process and the process may not be linear. Any of these reactions may occur months or even years following an experience of sexual violence.
Everyone is different and copes with trauma differently. There is no ‘one way’ to feel.
- Shock
- Guilt
- Disbelief
- Shame
- Fear
- Sadness
- Depression
- Anger.
A survivor may also experience reactions, such as:
- Tension
- Sleep disturbances or a change in sleep pattern
- Fearfulness
- Intrusive thoughts, memories or feelings
- Irritability
- Social Withdrawal
- Physical Sensations.
These reactions are common. Acknowledging and expressing them can be part of the healing process.
There is also no time limit on a survivors healing process and the process may not be linear. Any of these reactions may occur months or even years following an experience of sexual violence.
Everyone is different and copes with trauma differently. There is no ‘one way’ to feel.
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Location
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Address
Dunbar House
21 Dunbar Street Centre City, Dunedin 9016 PO Box 5424, Dunedin |
Contact Us
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