Is it normal for my friend to not trust any man anymore?

[Anonymous]

The guy that raped her (taking her virginity) is currently locked up. This wasn't a random stranger, a short-term boyfriend nor someone she just met. It was her playmate from 1st grade. This was someone she grew up with and went to the same schools. Both sets of parents were very close too. She used to see her as a brother.

It happened 6 months ago, shortly after her 20th b-day. He became obsessed with her, wanted her as a girlfriend, couldn't take no for an answer (prior to that, he was getting rejected by all the others girls he asked out) and raped her when he got a bit drunk. She doesn't trust men at this moment nor wants their friendship. This is a normal reaction right?

Updates

+1 y

She's currently feeling the greatest betrayal ever. She really taught she was safe with him, whom she used to refer to him as a brother she never had (since she's an only child).

[mark000h]

Yes, it's absolutely understandable and normal. I'm sorry that happened to your friend. There are evil people in the world who hurt others. She should get extensive counseling to help her try and cope with this.

[slatyb]

Pretty normal. She might benefit from some counseling.

[emperor90]

Absoulety it is normal she had experienced a trauma

[Asker]

She doesn't know what on earth happened to him. From her description it's like he became a beast at that moment; someone she never knew, no longer the friend/brother figure she grew up with. She kept telling him to stop, tried reasoning with him but he threw all their friendship to the garbage.

[Asker]

Then when it was all done and she asked why, he had the nerve to say ''I've been wanting you for years, our first time, now we can be together''. She felt horrified, nauseous and betrayed so badly.

[Anonymous]

None of this scenario is "normal", but it's understandable that she would feel that way. I would suggest she seek therapy.

[Jamie05rhs]

Damn... That's really sad. 😰

[Asker]

yeah she feels total betrayal too. She never expected that coming from him. It's shocking that in many rape cases, it's rarely a stranger coming from the bushes. It's someone that girl trusted, someone she knew. That makes it more terrifying and more trauma to it.

[Jamie05rhs]

I hope he stays in jail for a very long time.

And I hope she gets the help she needs through therapy (and through your friendship.). It's going to be hard, though.

No woman should ever have to face this circumstance.