This research considers the psychological fragmentation of sexual assault survivors from the framework of structural dissociation (Van der Hart et al., 2006) by exploring the way trauma manifest in the survivors post sexual assault. This study engaged 31 sexual assault survivors (aged 18–30) across six Indian states, employing trauma informed practices to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, revealing survivors' post-sexual assault experiences, with a focus on dissociation. The findings identified two dissociative states in the survivors—felt state (14 subthemes) and being state (10 subthemes). The Felt state consists of the survivors’ efforts to restore order and normality by using adaptive coping mechanisms; and the Being state as a process of frozen traumatic memories, somatically stored distress, and chronic perceptions of irreversible harm. The findings, based on qualitative analytical approach, show how cultural stories—such as the female chastity, culture, and honour (izzat) determine the reaction to trauma in Indian women. Clinically, the findings support phase-based interventions that initially establish stabilization through felt state coping strategies before targeting being state trauma. The research indicates the need for culturally sensitive trauma models that target both the psychological mediation of dissociation and oppressive social schemas. Further, the future research may examine the neurobiological underpinnings of dissociation subthemes and the development of culturally determined assessment tools. In combining survivor testimonies with theoretical frameworks, the study contributes to research on trauma in regions of the world where gender, caste, and mythical narratives intersect sexual violence.