Self Defense - The Aftermath
If you find yourself being assaulted, and you are forced to defend yourself against an attacker, there will always be consequences of some sort. Many people forget to think about the potential aftermath before they are attacked. The aftermath of a self defense situation can often be nearly as scary as the assault itself. You will rarely be able to walk away from a violent encounter as if it never happened. Here are a few of the possible consequences for which you should mentally prepare yourself:
An Adrenaline Rush - You can expect that during and immediately following the assault, you will have a rush of adrenaline. This can result in a condition known as Tachypsychia, with effects such as time distortion, memory distortion, or memory loss. You will probably feel 'wired' and shaky as a result of the adrenaline. Your mind will still be producing fear even after the danger is over. While there's nothing you can do to stop this rush of adrenaline or its effects, being prepared mentally can help you deal with it. Some victims of violence also find that going running to use up their adrenaline can help their body calm down following a scary confrontation.
Dealing With the Law - Even when acting in self defense, you can expect the police to become involved anytime you use a stun gun, pepper spray, TASER device, or any other self defense product. You will probably be expected to give a statement about the events. Be objective, and try to remain calm when talking to police. Using violence to defend yourself against an attack is legal, but the police will still be interested in hearing what happened, especially if the situation warrants charges against your attacker. You may also want to inquire about victims' counseling or other programs that may be available to you as the victim of a violent assault.
Property Damage - Depending on the type of assault, you may have additional consequences in terms of damage to your property. For example, a burglar may have broken a window to get inside your house. Your purse, with your credit cards inside, may have been stolen during the attack. You'll need to repair the damage, cancel your credit cards, and report any missing possessions to your insurance company.
Feeling Secure Again - Once you have been attacked, it can take some time to become comfortable continuing your daily routine. You may find yourself looking over your shoulder more than usual, wondering if you could be attacked again. Being attacked can make you aware of the possibilities, and that can be very scary.
Many victims of crime find themselves compelled to install additional locks and other security measures at home, or to carry pepper spray, stun guns, or other devices, especially if they did not do so before the attack. You may worry that your attacker will come back for revenge, or simply realize how unprotected and vulnerable you were. No matter the reason, taking steps to protect your safety is important, whether or not you have experienced a violent altercation.
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