Your Feelings

Immediately after being assaulted you may feel shock, denial, disbelief and a determination to carry on as if nothing has happened. You may experience flashbacks, insomnia, or nightmares. There is no right or wrong way to react to sexual violence. You may wonder if you should or should not be feeling a certain way, or how long you should feel that way, or whether you should be "over it by now" or whether you are "going crazy".

Whatever you do feel is right and valid. Every woman responds in her own way. If you can talk about your feelings with other women it can help you to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviours and can start to help you to regain some control over your own life. Counselling is a very powerful and life affirming choice that provides a space to help you gain a clearer understanding of yourself and your situation.

You can ring RAASC if something is happening in your life now, or if you are having difficulties about something that has happened in the past. You can also phone if you are worried about your child, someone else in your family, or someone you know.

If you ring us we can offer practical information, emotional support and one to one counselling.