I Saw My Attacker Today...

[Michelle1991]

My most recent sexual abuse happened at the hands of somebody I was dating. He strangled me when I told him that I was "not in the mood" and such. I have not seen him for about two months and it hurts a lot still.

I saw him in public today in passing. I knew he saw me and he knew I saw him... It was a very awkward situation. I immediately felt unsafe. My heart started beating out of my chest and it hurt to breathe. I was using every muscle in my face to prevent myself from crying in public.

I have never had this bad of a physical reaction before! Is this normal?

 

[Meadowsweet]

It seems very normal to me.

As a positive, it might be worth going over the experience of seeing him, in your head and reminding yourself that he saw you and didn't become violent and you remained safe.