This problem may be heightened if the woman was home asleep when she was attacked or if the rape took place within her home. Another commong post-rape emotion that women experience is fear. There may be a general fear of people or of men as the woman struggles with learning to trust people again. A victim may also experience a period of time immediately after the rape when she unwilling to come into contact with anyone,even family and loved ones. A mother may notice a sudden change in her behavior and reactions with her children.
Many mothers suddenly become over protective of their children.
The long-range effects consist of resolution of these problems and an attempt to return to normal life. The victim will often try to justify to herself that everything is alright and by doing this she often suppresses her feelings. One way of relieving these suppressed feelings is by daydreaming. She may do things that she would not ordinarily do, just to prove to herself that she is not afraid and can still do whatever she wants. Eventually, a woman realizes that she cannot go on without facing these feelings and dealing with the reality of the situation.