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Originally Posted by rei  p.s. there is no 'normal' way to respond to rape. there's not a formula, there are stages but not everyone passes through them in the same order or at all. so while you may prefer knowing what to expect, hopefully it will help to know there is nothing standard to expect. |
This is very important. Different assault victims react differently, are traumatised at various degrees (or hardly at all), and this can change with time, in either direction. Be there for your friend and follow her lead. Take clues from her on how you should act. If she asks for support, offer it. If she says she's fine, don't second guess her. As a sexual abuse victim, more often than not I've been made to feel (by well meaning people) like I wasn't traumatized enough, and that's infuriating.
Bu tit seems you're handling it really well so far. Hugs to you and your friend.