Dissociation during an attack: what is it?
Dissociation is the sense of 'leaving your body' during an attack. An extreme psycho-neurological protective response — the brain distances the victim from suffering. 25-50% of rape victims experience dissociation (Möller 2017).
Why it happens — the mechanism
Mechanism: partial disconnect between parietal cortex (self-sense) and limbic system (emotion). Result: victim sees 'from outside', loses body sensation, sometimes memory of the event. Effective protection but complicates recovery.
How the Avikzar System answers it
Bodywork post-dissociation is essential: reconnect body to brain via slow, conscious, safe movement. Yehouda works with psychotrauma specialists for these cases.
Yehouda Avikzar (10th Dan) — Freezing isn't your fault — it's your biology. But not training after experiencing one is your responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can dissociation last after the assault?
Yes — untreated it can become chronic (dissociative disorder). EMDR very effective.
Other reactions to danger
Train the reflexes that bypass freeze
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