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Abstract: 

The “fight-or-flight” neurological response to an assault—sexual or otherwise—is well known among researchers, advocates, and others who study victimology. Less understood is the so-called “freeze” reaction where a victim declines to fight back against her attacker and submits to what he wants. This lack of understanding of such a seemingly ineffective reaction to being attack is reflected in comments like, “Why did she just lay there? Or “Why didn’t she just fight back?” Here, eminent expert Roslyn Myers explains the biological, psychological, and social roots of “freezing” which, although seemingly counter-intuitive, is not only normal but may be the most adaptive reaction a woman can make when facing a threat to her survival.

Keywords: Fight-or-Flight v Freeze or Flop Neurological Response

Affiliations:  1: Editor, Sex Offender Law Report.