During which stage of response might victims deny the significance of the assault?

The stage where victims might deny the significance of the assault is during the Outward Adjustment phase. In this stage, individuals often attempt to return to a normal routine and may present a facade of coping, despite internal turmoil. This can include minimizing the trauma they have experienced, as they might feel pressure to appear "normal" or not to burden others with their pain. Denial can serve as a psychological defense mechanism, allowing victims to manage their emotions and experiences in a way that feels more bearable. By downplaying the significance of the event, they can navigate social interactions and daily responsibilities while struggling with the internal effects of their trauma.

In contrast, other stages like Acute Trauma reflect an immediate emotional response, where victims are often overwhelmed by the impact of the assault. The Suspended Belief stage involves a state of disbelief or difficulty comprehending the reality of what has occurred, while the Integration phase involves processing and making sense of the traumatic event, where denial typically diminishes.