Understanding my gfs reactions to sexual assault

You think you'd react by pushing him off or screaming, right? Until it happens to you and for some reason you freeze. Your body betrays you and instead of reacting like you always imagined your body goes into a self preservation mode. You're a strong empowered woman, so why go along with these touches you don't want? Fear is powerful. It can make you act in ways that confuse you afterwards when you're by yourself and have time to reflect. I know so many women who freeze or who go along with what the guy is doing bc they're scared or they just want it to be over, or they fear the retaliation if they don't go along with it. I think it's also important to note that so many women are raised to be people pleasers and to always be polite. So if standing up for yourself and advocating for yourself might be difficult when you're placed in a stressful situation.

/r/TwoXChromosomes Thread