The suffering may include pain, rage, depression, loss of mental or physical capacity, and shame to the point of humiliation and self-imposed isolation. Victims may have difficulty recalling the first few moments of victimization. During a traumatic event, denial operates as a coping mechanism, shielding the individual from a rational appraisal of danger, and allowing an automatic set of adaptive reflexes to operate. When the reality of victimization breaks through, the victim is aware of physiological changes, injuries and loss. When the victim says, No, no, no, this isn't happening, he or she already knows that it is.
Frozen fright keeps the body inert while the mind thaws and begins to rationalize.
Events are replayed. If only I had done this, not that . Feelings of disgust and defilement may emerge, even in crimes that are not explicitly sexual. Personal space and dignity have been invaded. A mortified victim needs reassurance, but may seek to avoid all human contact and react impassively to questions and expressions of concern.