Rape paralysis

Rape paralysis, also known as tonic immobility, is something that can happen to a person when they are being sexually assaulted. When someone is being sexually assaulted, their body can go through different responses, like fight, flight or freeze. When someone freezes, it means their body freezes or stops moving. It's like when you see a deer in the headlights and it freezes. Just like that, your body can also freeze when something bad is happening to you.

For someone experiencing rape paralysis, it feels like their body is not theirs anymore and they can’t control it. Their muscles become stiff and tense, and they are unable to move, speak, or defend themselves. This can be a very scary and confusing experience for the person going through it.

Fortunately, the paralysis only lasts for a short time, usually just a few minutes, and eventually the person’s body will start to move again. It is important to know that rape paralysis is not the victim’s fault - it is a natural response to a traumatic event. It is also important for people to talk about rape paralysis and understand that it can happen, so they can support someone who may be experiencing it.