What happens in the brain?
- The amygdala detects danger and triggers intense stress: a surge of adrenaline, cortisol, etc.
- The prefrontal cortex, which manages thinking and decision-making, shuts down.
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The result: the body enters a "freeze mode," as if it's going into standby to survive.
This reaction is common in cases of sexual violence. It is a well-documented phenomenon in neuroscience and frequently observed in victims (Sources: France Culture, Psychologue.net, EMDR79).
Testimonials of Freezing
- "I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. I felt trapped in my own body." Camille, 23 years old
- "I was screaming in my head, but outside... nothing." Samira, 34 years old
Towards Legal Recognition?
A bill, led by MP Sabrina Sebaihi, suggests recognizing freezing as a form of coercion in the legal definition of rape (Source: Nice-Matin).
Currently, the law requires visible signs of physical resistance (like screaming, fleeing). But freezing prevents any reaction.
Recognizing this would allow us to:
- Better protect victims.
- Adapt legal standards of proof to neurological reality.
- Remove the guilt of those who were unable to react.
What you need to remember
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Not screaming never means giving consent.
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Freezing is a normal and automatic neurological reaction.
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It is time for justice and society to fully recognize this.
What now?
- Raise awareness in your circles.
- Train professionals in the fields of health, justice, and education.
- Listen to victims with empathy, without judgment.
A frozen body "didn't do anything".
It was surviving.
