This stage is the time when healing occurs. It can be a difficult time, characterized by many of the same feelings that occurred initially, but with more likelihood of resolving them. Survivors may become depressed, have dramatic mood-swings, feel alienated from others, or withdraw into themselves. It is at this point that survivors often seek psychotherapy. Common Feelings Fear is a universal response to sexual assault.
Many survivors fear seeing the attacker again.
Many may also fear sounds, smells, places, or anything that reminds them of the assault. Anger may occur during or at any time after the assault. Like fear, it is expressed by nearly all survivors, although in many different ways. Anger may be directed toward everyone, or toward people with characteristics similar to those of the attacker. When directed outward and properly focused, anger is a healthy response to sexual assault.