Closeness and direct eye-contact can be tolerated without fear of aggression. Danger can be more accurately assessed and responded to. These are not merely outward changes. They run deep and affect all areas of life, including coping with stress and threat, and even achievement. In my work in the field of trauma and abuse, I have become aware of the behavioral and emotional patterns that result from these experiences.
Victimization tends to cause a loss or distortion of identity and personal boundaries.
With repeated violations, a person is left with a distorted sense of personal space, may be hyper-reactive or emotionally blunted. These defensive patterns can lead to retraumatization or revictimization. Emotional numbing can cause a person to be oblivious to danger signs that others would note and heed. The posture of a victim is sometimes taken on by a survivor. A person who appears weak, unable or unwilling to fight back is more likely to be targeted.