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Abstract: 

Individuals who have been victimized can develop a broad range of psychosocial responses. Many factors influence the response a victim may experience, including precrisis personality and functioning and the nature and extent of the victimization. Severe trauma, as well as long-term trauma, can result in a “shutting down” response. Personality, affect, will, confidence, self-esteem, spontaneity all may “shut down” somewhat or become “flattened.” Fear, passivity, depression, lack of confidence, and pessimism can invade the severely victimized individual. This is particularly likely when trauma is recurrent. This article is a personal account of an illustrative case.

Keywords: psychosocial responses to victimization; “shutting down” response

Affiliations:  1: sociologist .