• PHASE ONE: IMPACT

Feelings of disbelief and shock, numbness, disorganization, disorientation, shame, guilt, confusion, embarrassment, self-blame, anger over own behavior, extreme calm or jumpiness, irritability, abrupt mood changes, anxiety.

• PHASE TWO: OUTWARD ADJUSTMENT

Wants to forget the incident, attempts to live “normal” life again, may rationalize that the assault was not a “big deal”, does not want to talk about or think about the assault, severe mood swings, sense of helplessness, disruption of normal everyday routines such as absenteeism at work or school.

• PHASE THREE: RESOLUTION and ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE EVENT

Depression, fear, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, nightmares, flashbacks, crying, feeling overwhelmed, anger/rage, isolating self/social withdrawal, anxiety, guilt, lack of trust, loss of self esteem, desire to talk about the assault, re-evaluation of self.

• PHASE FOUR: INTEGRATION

Acceptance the sexual assault occurred and has impact, sorts out feelings of guilt and responsibility, finds healthy outlets for anger, integrates sexual assault experience into the whole of her life, rape is no longer the central focus in the victim’s life, increased self awareness, redefines self, moves forward with life.