Rape can and does happen to anyone. Some women react to rape by wanting to withdraw. In the long run, this may not be helpful. Talking about the experience and your resulting feelings with family, close friends or a counselor may hasten your recovery. These feelings range from helplessness, fear, humiliation and embarrassment to anger, revenge and self-blame.
Women often react to the violent aspects of the rape as well as the sexual aspects.
Some women develop new fears after being raped. Examples of these are fear of being outdoors, indoors, alone or in crowds. Other fears can manifest themselves in hasty decisions to move, quit school or work, or change jobs. Additional reactions to being raped include problems with sleeping. Many women experience a crisis in their sexual life as a result of the rape.