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Information about rape and sexual assault

Is the way I’m feeling normal?

Everyone reacts differently to a traumatic event. Whatever you are feeling is a normal response to what has happened.

• If you have been attacked recently you may be in shock, you may feel numb, unemotional, be in total disbelief, be crying, shaking, laughing or physically being sick.
• You may feel to blame and responsible for what has happened.
• You may be having nightmares or experiencing difficulties sleeping.
• You may be “reliving” the events (Flashbacks), these can be triggered by a sound, situation or smell and can be very frightening (see our fact sheet on Flashbacks for more information).
• You may have lost your confidence, trust in yourself and others.
• You may be feeling worthless or have feelings of self-hatred.
• You may be finding it difficult to cope with day-to-day life. • You may be feeling angry, irritable and short-tempered.
• You may feel dirty and ashamed about what has happened.
• You may be depressed, upset and tearful a lot of the time or may feel suicidal.
• You may be afraid e.g. of people, places, being on your own.
• You may be experiencing relationship or sexual difficulties.

This list is by no means everything you may be feeling and indeed you may experience none of the above. You may also be trying to cope by, self-harming e.g. cutting, burning, scrubbing using drugs (illegal or prescribed) and/or alcohol, comfort eating, bingeing, vomiting, starving yourself, (Our fact sheet on self-harm and self-injury provides more information). You may have forgotten and completely blocked out the memory of what has happened and these memories may have been triggered by the birth of a child the death of the abuser, the break up of a relationship or other stressful event.

You must remember that you did not ask for this to happen to you. Many women find that speaking about their experience, although often difficult and painful, helps them come to terms with what has happened. Speak to someone you can trust or speak with someone at the Centre.

How long will it take for me to come to terms with this? For every woman the length of time it can take to come to terms with something like this is different. Other things can affect the time it takes e.g. having a good support network, friends, family, partner who is supportive. Don’t forget you don’t have to go through this process alone. Break the silence and share your thoughts and feelings about your experience with someone you trust, or speak in confidence to a trained support worker at our Centre. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened your feelings are important.

I’ve just been raped what should I do?
• If possible have any injuries treated by your doctor or at a hospital.
• If there is a possibility of pregnancy you may want to take the morning after pill (up to 72 hours after) or have a coil fitted (up to 5 days after). To do this, go to your Family Planning Clinic or GP.
• Unfortunately, the incidence of sexually transmitted infections after rape can be high. The Tayside Sexual & Reproductive Health Service at Ninewells Hospital (Dundee) offers fully confidential treatment. You do not need a letter from your doctor. You need to return for the results. You do not have to tell them you have been raped. You can make an appointment by ringing (01382) 425542. You don’t have to give the clinic your real name and you could ask a friend or support worker from the Centre to go with you for support.
• If you want to report what has happened contact the Police. In Dundee you would be taken to West Bell Street where your statement and a forensic examination would take place. You may want to take a trusted friend, family member or partner with you.
• If you do not report the incident at the time it does not prevent you from making a complaint later however valuable evidence may be lost. (For more information see our fact sheet on police and courts.) It may be possible for a support worker from WRASAC to support you through making a complaint, contact our helpline for information.

Quick Links - Useful Information
Child sexual Abuse - Rape and/or Sexual Assault - Impact of rape and/or sexual abuse
-Information for family and friends- Information for workers - Flashbacks - Personal Safety - Police and Courts - Possible signs of child sexual abuse - Ritual Abuse - Self-harm - Sexual Harrassment at Work - Suicide -