Psychological responses of victims during sexual assaults

The aim of the current study was to examine the psychological responses of victims during sexual assault, focusing on tonic immobility (TI). TI is characterized by immobility in situations involving the threat of death or a threat to one’s physical integrity. In the current study, 143 sexual assault victims consented to participate in the survey and completed the questionnaires. An exploratory categorical factor analysis revealed that the psychological responses of victims during sexual assaults comprised two factors: TI and fear. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that victims’ fear during the sexual assault increased their TI responses. Furthermore, the high variation of violence, which was influenced by prior relationships between victims and offenders, increased fear and TI responses.