Victims who freeze during sexual assault experience more severe PTSD because they are blamed by others and themselves for the assault

Abstract

Tonic immobility (TI), a “freeze response,” is a common response to sexual assault e.g., feeling unable to move or vocalize. Linked to severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms Victims who experience TI may be blamed by others and by themselves for not doing more to prevent the assault. Blame is associated with the belief that lack of resistance equals consent The current study will assess whether victim-blaming from others and self-blame mediate a link between TI and PTSD.