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Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Jul 17, 2024
Have you ever wondered why some sexual assault victims don’t fight back or scream for help? The answer lies in a phenomenon called the sexual assault freeze response. This involuntary reaction is more common than you might think, affecting up to 70% of sexual violence survivors. Let’s explore this crucial topic to foster understanding and support for those who have experienced sexual trauma.
The freeze response, also known as tonic immobility, is a survival mechanism deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. It’s not a conscious choice but an automatic reaction triggered by our primitive brain when faced with extreme danger. This response isn’t unique to humans – it’s observed throughout the animal kingdom, from ducks to small birds when confronted by predators.
In sexual assault situations, this ancient survival instinct can override our logical thinking. The brain essentially flips a switch, shutting down our ability to reason and react, leaving us immobilized as a last resort to protect our lives.
When we discuss our brain’s control in dangerous situations, we often talk about the fight-or-flight response. However, the freeze response is equally important yet often overlooked. This reaction stems from our old brain activating a key to shut off our logic and thinking, shifting to the only remaining option to save our lives: freezing.
During a freeze response, victims may experience:
These physiological changes can prevent victims from saying “no” or resisting, even if that’s what they want to do.
Many survivors struggle with feelings of guilt or shame for not fighting back during their assault. It’s crucial to understand that the freeze response is not a choice or a sign of weakness. It’s a biological reaction designed to protect us in life-threatening situations.
To break the cycle of self-blame, survivors should remember:
Healing involves placing the responsibility squarely on the perpetrator and practicing self-compassion.
While we can’t always control our initial freeze response, we can take steps to prepare ourselves for potential threats. Self-defense classes and stress inoculation training can be beneficial in developing new responses to high-stress situations.
These trainings can help by:
Remember, even with training, freezing is still a valid and natural response. The goal is to provide more options for your brain to choose from in threatening situations.
Research on real-world responses to sexual assault and harassment reveals a significant gap between how people think they would react and how they actually do. A study of college-age women showed that while all participants believed they would confront or report sexual harassment, none actually did when faced with inappropriate questions in a simulated job interview.
This discrepancy highlights the need for a trauma-informed approach in understanding and supporting survivors. Key aspects of this approach include:
By adopting this approach, we can create a more supportive environment for survivors to heal and seek justice.
Understanding the freeze response is crucial for supporting survivors and preventing victim-blaming. Here are some ways we can make a difference:
Remember, the responsibility for assault always lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create a society that better supports survivors and works to prevent sexual violence.
Yes, freezing or tonic immobility is a very common response to sexual assault. Studies have shown that up to 70% of sexual assault survivors report experiencing some degree of freezing during the attack.
Absolutely not. Freezing is an involuntary biological response to extreme stress and fear. It does not indicate consent in any way. Consent must be active, enthusiastic, and ongoing.
While it’s difficult to completely override this instinctual response, self-defense training and stress inoculation techniques can help create new patterns of response to threatening situations. However, it’s important to remember that freezing is a valid survival response and not a failure on the part of the victim.
Listen without judgment, reassure them that freezing is a common and natural response, and remind them that the assault was not their fault. Encourage them to seek professional help if they’re struggling with guilt or trauma, and offer to accompany them if they choose to report the assault.
Under California law, sexual assault and rape occur when there is a lack of consent between adults. Whether you experienced a sexual assault freeze response or were able to fight back, if you did not give consent, a crime was committed. Accordingly, as a sexual assault survivor, you may wish to pursue a civil lawsuit for financial compensation.
Getting justice for your sexual assault case can be a means of moving forward on your own terms while also securing financial damages for various harm endured, such as:
Contact our top-rated team of expert sexual abuse attorneys online or by phone today to pursue justice and secure a financial award for damages.
Taking back your power and filing a sexual assault civil lawsuit with Dordulian Law Group’s elite team of attorneys can be an empowering experience that leads to the justice and healing you deserve.
Contact a member of our Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer team today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation. There is never any upfront fee for our expert legal services. You pay nothing until after we’ve successfully secured a maximum financial damages award – whether a cash settlement or verdict – for your case.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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