Why do i feel sympathy for my rapist???

Question

I can't help it.....why?

Answer 1

There is something in psychology called identification with the abuser. It is very common and most victims of abuse feel that they can "understand" the abuser or feel sympathy for them, even if they are angry and/or depressed at the same time. It is a defense mechannism that helps the victim cope with the trauma.

Talking about this to someone who is qualified in these issues is the best thing to do. They could understand how u feel and in turn help u understand and move on.

Take care.

Answer 2

its a natural coping mechnism. you try to rationalise the event and by the sounds you are a confident person and dont see this as your fault like a normal victim so to cope with the incident you place yourself in mind frame that there must be something wrong with the individual who done this to you there for you feel sympathy towards them. as if they dont know what they are doing is wrong and they are just some poor lil dog who bite someone who doesnt know any better.

its normal and you should feel sorry for these people that they are so deprived of human affection and mentally unbalanced that they feel they have to rape a person too feel dominate and good about themselves.

not knowing the person also gives you this feeling to as they are strange and you know nothing and cant there for make a vengful emotion towards them.

its normal aslong as you cope you will be fine, just talk about it and im very sure you will be over this even quickly. and back to your normal self.

Answer 3

Your probably a sympathetic person. Or maybe in someway you feel like it was your fault. I'm no therapist, but that's all I could come up with...I wish you the best.

Answer 4

you cant help the fact that you have been sexually offended and you are always going to live with it. you may just feel sympathetic for them because of the fact they have been turned in for their crime. just remember that they are the ones committing the crime and they are the criminal. you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and it is not your fault. what is done is done. its all behind you now. its in the past and its been and gone. just carry on your normal life and forget it.

Answer 5

It could be "Stockholm Syndrom". This is a very common human response to abusive incidents, especially if they are prolonged over a period of time such as a few days or even years (as in many cases of child abuse).

Google it and check it out.

I'm sorry to hear about your ordeal. Talking to a crisis line or other survivors of rape may be helpful for you if you haven't done so already.

Be strong, you will get through this.

Answer 6

How can we answer with out details. like did you know the person, or were they a stranger, Were they violent, of considerate of your response. So many others, much like the ones asked by the police when you reported the rape.  

Answer 7

You have other plans for him. If you know the person you might have feelings on him.

Answer 8

You overlooked your pain and feel his/her pain. It's uncommon but it happens. You are truly a Saint. You forgive, love and pray for people who have offended  and hurt you.

God bless you  

Answer 9

You may deep down understand now, that they really never had control over you and you can separate yourself from the experience now as an individual who cares about people, even those who hurt them unconditionally . You may finally feel deep down that the pain you went through, is not as bad as the pain that a criminal truly goes through because they don't accept themselves and just hurt people out of confusion and pain, but you are a whole enough person to not stay victimized because of the experience but come through it with a sense of love and understanding. Growing instead of staying stagnant. It's a hard thing for most people to get through, but feeling sympathy is a good thing. <3